The sentence is quite a general one, and not only prohibits polytheism and idolatry, the worship of idols in thought, word, and deed
(Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament)
The Old Testament is very Monotheistic in it's general tone -

And understand that I am He.

Before Me there was no God formed,

And there will be none after Me.-Isaiah 43:10


“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:

‘I am the first and I am the last,

And there is no God besides Me. -Isaiah 44:6

‘Do not tremble and do not be afraid;

Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it?

And you are My witnesses.

Is there any God besides Me,

Or is there any other Rock?

I know of none.’ ”

Isaiah 44:8

  “I am the Lord, and there is no other;

Besides Me there is no God.

I will gird you, though you have not known Me;

Isaiah 45:5

“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other"

Isaiah 45:22

“Remember the former things long past,

For I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is no one like Me,

Isaiah 46:9

When speaking of other "Gods" it was generally referring to the things man worships as a diety,
the idols and false Gods that were popular in that day,
but not another form of being that was the same species
or being as God. At least that is how I understand it.


It IS as bad as you think and they ARE out to get you.