How did Mesopotamian culture influence Jewish and Phoenician cultures?

Answer 1

Since both Hebrews and non-Hebrews lived in Mesopotamia, there may have been some borrowing in minor matters. But in terms of fundamental beliefs, the two are quite different.

Judaism, according to tradition, has always been monotheistic. Other Mesopotamians, however, believed in a number of deities.

Answer 2

Since the Hebrews and non-Hebrews lived side by side in Mesopotamia, there may have been some borrowing in language or other minor matters. But in terms of fundamental beliefs, the two are quite different.Judaism, according to tradition, has always been monotheistic. Even at the height of the unfortunate spread of idolatry among the less-loyal Ten Tribes, there were thousands who remained loyal to God (1 Kings 19:18).

• Link: Judaism and monotheism
  

Other Mesopotamians, however, believed in a number of deities, which had no moral character whatsoever and which sometimes led to aberrations in people's behavior, with worship of the gods accompanied by practices such as human sacrifice, "sacred" prostitution, and animal worship. This was among the reasons why Abraham the Hebrew founded ethical monotheism.

• Link: Abraham
  

It may be noted that there are certain comparative similarities that can be found among the two ancient populations (Hebrews and non-Hebrews). According to tradition, this did not stem from borrowing, but rather from the existence of an even older tradition; the worldwide one stemming from Noah. This is, for example, why (almost all) people over the entire world believed in the existence of the soul, the afterlife, the significance of the number seven, the institution of marriage, the abhorrence of cannibalism, etc.