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.
Transliteration:ʻAshtârôwth
Pronunciation:ash-taw-roth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6252}}`, transliterated as ʻAshtârôwth (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת), is a plural form derived from עַשְׁתְּרָה (ʻAshtĕrâh). Its primary semantic range encompasses two distinct, yet related, referents: a prominent Sidonian (and more broadly, Canaanite) deity, and a geographical location situated east of the Jordan River. As a deity, ʻAshtârôwth refers to the goddess Astarte, a major fertility and war goddess in the ancient Near East. The use of the plural form can signify multiple manifestations, images, or aspects of the goddess, or it can be a plural of majesty or intensity. Lexically, the root likely connects to concepts of fruitfulness, prosperity, or even stellar bodies (as Astarte was often associated with the planet Venus or the moon). As a place, ʻAshtârôwth denotes a significant city in Bashan, known as a stronghold of the Rephaim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻAshtârôwth appears in the Hebrew Bible in both its theological and geographical senses.
As a deity, ʻAshtârôwth is consistently presented as an object of pagan worship, often alongside Baal (`{{H1168}}`). This pairing highlights the pervasive nature of Canaanite polytheism which frequently ensnared the Israelites.
* In [[Judges 2:13]] and [[Judges 10:6]], the Israelites are condemned for forsaking Yahweh and serving Baal and ʻAshtârôwth, illustrating a recurring cycle of apostasy during the period of the Judges.
* The prophet Samuel exhorted Israel to "put away the foreign gods and the ʻAshtârôwth from among you" in [[1 Samuel 7:3-4]], leading to a national repentance and deliverance from the Philistines. This account underscores the direct link between idolatry and national distress.
* Later, in [[1 Samuel 12:10]], the people confess their sin of serving Baalim and ʻAshtârôwth, acknowledging their covenant infidelity.
* The depth of Israel's syncretism is further revealed in the reign of Solomon, who, in his old age, "followed ʻAshtârôwth, the goddess of the Sidonians" ([[1 Kings 11:5]]), a grave transgression that led to the division of the kingdom.
* King Josiah's reforms included the defilement of the high places built for ʻAshtârôwth by Solomon ([[2 Kings 23:13]]), demonstrating the persistent influence of this idolatry centuries later and the necessity of radical religious purification.
As a geographical location, ʻAshtârôwth is identified as a significant city in the territory of Bashan:
* [[Deuteronomy 1:4]] identifies ʻAshtârôwth as the place where Og, king of Bashan, resided.
* [[Joshua 9:10]] and [[Joshua 12:4]] reiterate its status as a royal city, part of the Amorite kingdom conquered by Moses.
* Its inclusion in the tribal allotments, specifically to the half-tribe of Manasseh ([[Joshua 13:12]], [[Joshua 13:31]], and [[1 Chronicles 6:71]]), signifies its strategic importance and its integration into Israelite territory, though its pagan associations likely lingered.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻAshtârôwth is enriched by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* `{{H6255}}` עַשְׁתֹּרֶת (ʻAshtōreth): This is the singular form of the goddess's name, often used interchangeably with the plural ʻAshtârôwth in some contexts, or to denote a specific idol or manifestation.
* `{{H1181}}` בֵּית עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (Beth-ʻAshtârôwth): "House of Ashtaroth," a related place name, likely indicating a temple or cultic center dedicated to the goddess.
* `{{H6253}}` עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם (ʻAshtĕrōth Qarnayim): "Ashtaroth of the Two Horns," another ancient city mentioned in [[Genesis 14:5]], possibly referring to a horned depiction of the goddess or a geographical feature.
* `{{H1168}}` בַּעַל (Baal): The chief male Canaanite deity, frequently mentioned alongside ʻAshtârôwth, forming the divine pair central to Canaanite fertility cults.
* Concepts of idolatry, apostasy, syncretism, covenant faithfulness, and divine judgment are intrinsically linked to the biblical narrative surrounding ʻAshtârôwth. The worship of this goddess represented a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of Yahweh and a profound breach of the Mosaic covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻAshtârôwth in the biblical narrative is profound, serving as a potent symbol of spiritual rebellion and the allure of false worship.
* **Exclusive Worship of Yahweh:** The constant struggle against ʻAshtârôwth worship underscores the foundational biblical demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([[Exodus 20:3]]), is repeatedly violated by Israel's pursuit of ʻAshtârôwth.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Apostasy:** Israel's turning to ʻAshtârôwth represents a profound act of covenant unfaithfulness. The cycles of judgment and deliverance in Judges are directly tied to Israel's abandonment of Yahweh for deities like ʻAshtârôwth.
* **Contrast with True Blessing:** While ʻAshtârôwth was worshipped as a goddess of fertility and prosperity, the biblical witness consistently demonstrates that true blessing, fruitfulness, and national security came only from obedience to Yahweh, not from pagan rituals or appeasement of false gods. The worship of ʻAshtârôwth led to barrenness, defeat, and divine wrath.
* **The Nature of Idolatry:** ʻAshtârôwth embodies the deceptive nature of idolatry – the worship of created things rather than the Creator. It represents the human tendency to seek security, prosperity, and power from sources other than God, often leading to morally corrupt practices (e.g., sacred prostitution associated with fertility cults).
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God's consistent condemnation of ʻAshtârôwth worship and the subsequent judgments upon Israel affirm His absolute sovereignty and His righteous character. He does not tolerate rivals to His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H6252}}`, ʻAshtârôwth, functions in the biblical text as both the name of a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess and a significant city in Bashan. As a deity, ʻAshtârôwth epitomizes the idolatrous practices that repeatedly ensnared ancient Israel, leading to cycles of apostasy, divine judgment, and national distress. Her worship, often paired with Baal, represented a direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh and a profound spiritual compromise. As a geographical location, ʻAshtârôwth was a key Amorite city east of the Jordan, later integrated into the tribal inheritance of Manasseh. The theological significance of ʻAshtârôwth lies in its stark portrayal of the dangers of idolatry, the necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It serves as a perennial reminder of the spiritual conflict between the one true God and the seductive allure of false worship.
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