The book of Deuteronomy, in which the shema occurs, of course has several references to other gods as real entities, considering them to be demons (Deut 32:17). If the writer of Deuteronomy did not really believe there were other gods, then he would have to deny the existence of demons as well. The writer knew there were other real gods, and so the shema was demanding loyalty to Yahweh (“our God”), not denying the existence of other gods.10
