Rudiments of religion can be traced even in the prehistoric man in the form of worship of natural forces like winds, fire, clouds, etc., or geographical features like mountains, rivers, seas, or animals like snakes, which inspired fear or wonder.  Such forms of worship have survived up to this day, and are widespread in large tribal areas of the world.  Before the idea of one God as creator of the universe gained currency, religion passed through several intermediary stages represented by worship of innumerable gods believed to look after their devotees with powers attributed to them.  Their statues appeared, leading to idol worship which persists even today.

Then came prophets with message from God.  They denounced idols as His rivals.  The prophets never claimed Godhead for themselves.  They were content to be His messengers.  Their followers, accustomed to idol worship, however, confused / identified their prophets with God Himself and with some people God acquired a human or anthropomorphic form, to be realized through personal intervention of particular prophets in favour of their own followers alone.