How is God seen in the Torah?

Answer 1

Different Old Testament authors and at different times saw God differently. For example, there were different views of God in the Pentateuch:

• The very early source now known as the Yahwist (J), representing the traditions of the southern kingdom of Judah, saw God (YHWH, or Yahweh) as anthropomorphic, with human characteristics. He made promises and covenants with his chosen people.
• Another early source now known as the Elohist (E), representing the traditions of the northern kingdom of Israel saw God (Elohim) as a more transcendent God who required obedience and was feared by his people. People could never look at the Elohist's God, so he typically came in dreams or visions, but sometimes in the form of a cloud or a flame.
• A later source now known as the Priestly source (P) described a remote and unmerciful God.
• Second Isaiah, also writing during the Babylonian Exile, saw God as merciful and loving.

God was the national God of the Hebrew people, and his covenants were with them and not with other people. It was only from the time of the Babylonian Exile that God began to be seen a a universal God.

Answer 2

The omniscient, omnipresent, indivisible Creator, giver of the Torah, who rewards righteousness and answers prayer.