or עַשְׁתָּרֹת; plural of עַשְׁתְּרָה; Ashtaroth, the name of a Sidonian deity, and of a place East of the Jordan; Asharoth, Astaroth. See also בֵּית עַשְׁתָּרוֹת, עַשְׁתֹּרֶת, עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻAshtârôwth**, represented by `{{H6252}}`, is primarily known as the name of a Sidonian deity and a location east of the Jordan. This word appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage reveals a dual identity, representing both a center for idolatrous worship and a significant city in the region of Bashan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6252}}` functions in two distinct contexts. As a deity, Ashtaroth is frequently mentioned alongside Baalim as a false god whose worship led Israel astray. The children of Israel repeatedly **forsook** `{{H5800}}` the Lord to **serve** `{{H5647}}` Baal and Ashtaroth ([[Judges 2:13]]; [[Judges 10:6]]). This apostasy prompted calls for repentance, such as when Samuel instructed Israel to **put away** `{{H5493}}` the strange gods and Ashtaroth to receive deliverance from the Philistines [[1 Samuel 7:3]]. As a geographical location, Ashtaroth was a city belonging to Og, king of Bashan ([[Deuteronomy 1:4]]; [[Joshua 12:4]]), which was later given to the sons of Gershom [[1 Chronicles 6:71]]. The Philistines also had a "house of Ashtaroth" where they placed Saul's armor after his death [[1 Samuel 31:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the worship of `{{H6252}}`:
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): This deity is consistently named alongside Ashtaroth in Israel's acts of idolatry. The people's sin is often summarized as serving "Baalim and Ashtaroth" ([[Judges 10:6]]; [[1 Samuel 12:10]]).
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve, work, worshipper): This word describes the act of worship, whether directed toward the true God, **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`, or toward false deities like Ashtaroth ([[Judges 2:13]]; [[1 Samuel 7:3]]).
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (to forsake, leave, relinquish): This term is used to describe Israel's act of abandoning the Lord, which is immediately followed by their service to Ashtaroth ([[Judges 2:13]]; [[1 Samuel 12:10]]).
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off, put away, remove): This represents the required action of repentance. Samuel commands the Israelites to **put away** `{{H5493}}` Ashtaroth as a condition of returning to the Lord [[1 Samuel 7:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6252}}` is centered on the theme of idolatry and exclusive devotion to God.
* **Symbol of Apostasy:** The worship of Ashtaroth serves as a benchmark for Israel's unfaithfulness. When the nation **served** `{{H5647}}` Ashtaroth, it was a clear sign they had **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` their covenant with **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` ([[Judges 2:13]]; [[Judges 10:6]]).
* **The Object of Repentance:** Turning back to God required a decisive rejection of Ashtaroth. Putting away these **strange** `{{H5236}}` **gods** `{{H430}}` was the first step in preparing their hearts to serve the Lord only [[1 Samuel 7:3-4]].
* **Representation of Foreign Powers:** Ashtaroth represents a spiritual and physical adversary to Israel. The name is linked to enemy kings like Og of Bashan [[Joshua 9:10]] and the Philistines, who desecrated the memory of King Saul in a temple dedicated to this deity [[1 Samuel 31:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6252}}` is more than just the name of a goddess or a city. It functions as a powerful symbol in scripture, representing the persistent temptation of idolatry that plagued Israel. Whether as a deity drawing hearts away from God or as a location associated with enemy forces, Ashtaroth stands in direct contrast to the exclusive worship required by **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`, highlighting the critical choice between faithfulness and forsaking God.
TRV