Ash'imah is a deity mentioned in the context of ancient Near Eastern religions, specifically within the biblical narrative concerning the idolatrous practices of the people who were settled in Samaria. The name Ash'imah appears in 2 Kings 17:30, where it is listed among the gods worshiped by the various peoples brought into the region by the Assyrian Empire after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Biblical Reference:
In 2 Kings 17:30 , the text states: "The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima." This passage is part of a larger narrative describing how the Assyrians resettled conquered peoples in Samaria, each bringing their own deities and religious practices. The introduction of these foreign gods led to a syncretistic form of worship that was contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Ash'imah is associated with the city of Hamath, an ancient city-state located in what is now modern-day Syria. The worship of Ash'imah, like that of other deities mentioned in the passage, reflects the polytheistic practices common among the peoples of the ancient Near East. The specific attributes and mythology of Ash'imah are not detailed in the biblical text, and there is limited extrabiblical information about this deity. However, the mention of Ash'imah alongside other gods indicates the diverse and widespread nature of idolatry that the Israelites encountered and often struggled against.

Theological Significance:
The worship of Ash'imah and other foreign gods in Samaria is presented in the biblical narrative as a violation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The introduction of these deities is seen as a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, which was central to the identity and faith of the Israelite people. The biblical authors often highlight the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God alone.

The presence of Ash'imah in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the constant temptation and influence of surrounding cultures on the Israelites. It underscores the recurring theme of the struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of foreign religious practices. The narrative in 2 Kings 17 ultimately illustrates the consequences of turning away from God, as the Northern Kingdom's fall and the subsequent resettlement by the Assyrians led to a dilution of Israelite religious identity.

Conclusion:
While Ash'imah is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, the mention of this deity contributes to the broader understanding of the religious landscape during the time of the divided kingdom. It highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst the pressures of surrounding pagan cultures.Ash'imah (1 Occurrence)

Amos 8:14
Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, and say,'As your god, Dan, lives;' and,'As the way of Beersheba lives;' they will fall, and never rise up again."
(See RSV)

Ash'imah (1 Occurrence)
Ash'imah. Ashi'ma, Ash'imah. Ashisha . Multi-Version Concordance
Ash'imah (1 Occurrence). Amos 8:14 Those who swear by the sin of ...
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Ashi'ma (1 Occurrence)
Ashi'ma. Ashima, Ashi'ma. Ash'imah . Multi-Version Concordance Ashi'ma
(1 Occurrence). ... Ashima, Ashi'ma. Ash'imah . Reference Bible.
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Ashisha (1 Occurrence)

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