### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַשְׁתְּרָה (ʻashtᵉrâh, `{{H6251}}`) is derived from the root עָשַׁר (ʻāshar, `{{H6238}}`), which conveys the sense of "to be rich," "to grow rich," or "to accumulate wealth." Consequently, ʻashtᵉrâh inherently carries the semantic weight of "increase," "abundance," or "prosperity." The base definition specifically identifies its meaning as "increase" and "flock," suggesting a concrete manifestation of abundance, particularly in the context of pastoral wealth. It denotes the progeny or reproductive success of livestock, signifying the proliferation and growth of a flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻashtᵉrâh occurs only once in the Masoretic Text, found in [[Deuteronomy 7:13]]. The verse reads: "He will love you and bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the ʻashtᵉrâh of your flocks, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you."
In this singular occurrence, ʻashtᵉrâh stands in clear parallelism with "increase of your herds" (מִשְׁגַּר אַלּוּפֶיךָ, mishgar allûfeyḵā), reinforcing its meaning as the "offspring" or "progeny" of the flocks. This passage is part of a broader discourse on the blessings promised to Israel for their covenant obedience. These blessings are distinctly material and tangible, encompassing agricultural bounty and animal fertility—the primary indicators of wealth and divine favor in the ancient Near East. The specific use of ʻashtᵉrâh for flocks underscores the importance of reproductive success and the proliferation of livestock as a critical component of Israel's economic well-being and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **עָשַׁר (ʻāshar, `{{H6238}}`):** This is the direct verbal root from which ʻashtᵉrâh is derived, meaning "to be rich," "to grow rich," or "to make rich." The related noun עֹשֶׁר (ʻōsher, `{{H6239}}`) signifies "riches" or "wealth." This etymological connection firmly grounds ʻashtᵉrâh in the concept of material prosperity and abundance.
* **מִשְׁגַּר (mishgar, `{{H4943}}`):** Meaning "offspring" or "increase," particularly of animals. This word appears in direct parallelism with ʻashtᵉrâh in [[Deuteronomy 7:13]] ("increase of your herds"), clarifying the specific nature of the "increase" as related to animal reproduction.
* **בְּרָכָה (bᵉrāḵāh, `{{H1293}}`):** "Blessing." The concept of ʻashtᵉrâh is a concrete manifestation of God's blessing (בְּרָכָה) upon His people. It embodies the divine favor extended to Israel in the form of fertility and productivity.
* **Fertility and Abundance:** ʻashtᵉrâh is part of a pervasive biblical theme wherein divine blessing is manifested through the fertility of the land, the womb, and livestock. This theme consistently portrays God as the ultimate source of all life and prosperity.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ʻashtᵉrâh in [[Deuteronomy 7:13]] highlights God's comprehensive promise of blessing to Israel, contingent upon their obedience to the covenant. This blessing is not abstract but profoundly tangible, encompassing every aspect of their material well-being. The "increase of your flocks" (ʻashtᵉrâh) represents divine providence and the Lord's active involvement in sustaining His people. It signifies that God's covenant faithfulness extends to the very productivity of their livelihoods, ensuring their prosperity.
From a broader theological perspective, ʻashtᵉrâh points to the Lord as the ultimate source of all prosperity and abundance. It is not solely by human effort or ingenuity, but by divine blessing, that flocks multiply and wealth accumulates. This promise of increase is deeply embedded within the covenantal framework, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between God and Israel. God's desire is to bless His people with overflowing abundance, including the ʻashtᵉrâh of their flocks, as a tangible sign of His enduring love and faithfulness. Though rare, the word contributes to the rich tapestry of Deuteronomic theology, which consistently correlates covenant obedience with material blessings in the Promised Land.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַשְׁתְּרָה (ʻashtᵉrâh, `{{H6251}}`) is a unique and significant term, appearing only in [[Deuteronomy 7:13]]. Derived from the root עָשַׁר ("to be rich"), its core meaning denotes "increase" or "abundance," specifically referring to the "offspring" or "proliferation" of flocks. In its sole biblical context, ʻashtᵉrâh is presented as a concrete manifestation of God's covenant blessing upon Israel for their obedience, paralleling the increase of their herds, grain, wine, and oil. It powerfully underscores the divine source of all material prosperity and highlights God's comprehensive provision for His people. Thus, ʻashtᵉrâh encapsulates a vital aspect of divine favor: the abundant fertility and productivity of livestock, which were indispensable for the well-being and wealth of an agrarian society in ancient Israel.
TRV