[Thane_Banquo]

The Old Testament is basically an account of how Israel went off the rails over and over again.

Pretty much. IIRC, treating Yahweh as a member of a pantheon of false gods was one of the ways Israel fell into idolatry. I think Asherah had something to do with it.

[RobbyS]

Indeed. The complaints about Solomon’s foreign wives was really a complaint about the installment of idols in the temple area.

[righttackle44]

I think Asherah had something to do with it.

Actually, the Israelites themselves brought about the worship of false gods. But I understand what you're saying.