### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăshêrâh**, represented by `{{H842}}`, refers to **Asherah**, a Phoenician goddess, as well as the sacred **grove** or image used in her worship. It appears **40 times** across **40 unique verses** in scripture, where it consistently represents a central object of idolatry that stood in direct opposition to the worship of the LORD{H3068}.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative consistently portrays `{{H842}}` as an abomination to be eradicated. God explicitly commands the Israelites to **cut down** `{{H3772}}` the groves of the people whose land they were to possess [[Exodus 34:13]]. It was forbidden to **plant** `{{H5193}}` a grove of any trees near the altar of the LORD [[Deuteronomy 16:21]]. Despite these commands, Israel repeatedly built high places and set up groves, provoking the LORD to anger `{{H3707}}` [[1 Kings 14:15]]. The reigns of righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah were marked by their efforts to remove high places, break images, and **cut down** the groves ([[2 Kings 18:4]], [[2 Chronicles 34:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Asherah worship:
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): The worship of Asherah is frequently tied to the worship of **Baal**. Israel's sin is often summarized as serving Baalim and the **groves** [[Judges 3:7]].
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (high place): These elevated sites were primary locations for idolatrous worship, where Israel built altars and set up images and **groves** [[1 Kings 14:23]].
* `{{H5422}}` **nâthats** (to tear down): This verb describes the commanded action against pagan altars and structures. Gideon was instructed to **throw down** the altar of Baal and cut down the grove beside it [[Judges 6:25]].
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to be (causatively, set) on fire; burn): The ultimate disposal of an **ʼăshêrâh** often involved fire. Asa, for example, **burnt** the idol his mother made for a grove [[1 Kings 15:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H842}}` is seen in its consistent opposition to true worship.
* **Symbol of Covenant Unfaithfulness:** To serve **groves** was to forget the LORD and break the covenant. This act of turning away from God to worship idols and the host of heaven `{{H6635}}` defined Israel's transgression [[2 Kings 17:16]].
* **Source of Divine Wrath:** Erecting an **ʼăshêrâh** was a direct provocation that incurred God's anger `{{H3707}}`. King Ahab's creation of a grove did more to provoke the LORD than all the kings before him [[1 Kings 16:33]]. This sin brought wrath `{{H7110}}` upon Judah and Jerusalem [[2 Chronicles 24:18]].
* **Object of Righteous Reformation:** The physical destruction of the groves was a clear sign of a king's or people's return to God. The reforms of kings like Asa [[2 Chronicles 15:16]] and Josiah [[2 Kings 23:15]] centrally featured the cutting down, stamping, and burning of the **ʼăshêrâh**.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H842}}` represents far more than a simple grove of trees. It is a potent symbol of idolatry and covenant rebellion throughout the Old Testament. The scriptural record of the **ʼăshêrâh**—its prohibition, its repeated construction by a disobedient people, and its destruction by righteous reformers—illustrates the uncompromising exclusivity demanded in the worship of the one true God.
TRV