@duglop Those who have a degree in history, will always make sure to tell you about it.
I say this as someone with a degree in history... and theology.
@MLClark @duglop In Genesis, 14: 18-20, you will find the earliest reference to one of the Bibles most mysterious characters, the Priest King of Salem, Melchizedek.
In the Hebrew, Melchizedek is referenced as a priest king of the Most High God, from which, Abraham gives the first tithe.
The term to refer to God in this vs, Elelyon, means God the most high and has use across the faiths of Canaan, meaning that he may have been a "Pagan" Priest.
@MLClark @duglop The earliest refrences to the God El, come from the City state of Ugarit, and the Ugaritic pantheon.