Judaism primarily differed from the surrounding religions of its time by being monotheistic. While many of the neighboring cultures practiced polytheism, worshipping multiple gods and deities, Judaism emphasized the belief in a single, all-powerful God. This distinct feature set Judaism apart from other religions in the ancient Near East, which often involved a pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of life and nature.
Additionally, Judaism also taught principles such as social justice and the protection of the poor, which were not as pronounced in many surrounding cultures. However, the key differentiator was its monotheistic belief system.