Topical Encyclopedia Ashi'ma is a deity mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the religious practices of the people who were settled in Samaria by the Assyrians. The reference to Ashi'ma is found in 2 Kings 17:30, which states: "The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima." Historical Context The mention of Ashi'ma occurs during the period of the Assyrian Empire's dominance over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. After the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C., the Assyrians deported many Israelites and repopulated the region with people from various parts of their empire. These new inhabitants brought with them their own gods and religious practices, leading to a syncretistic form of worship in the land. Cultural and Religious Significance Ashi'ma is identified as a god worshiped by the people of Hamath, a city-state located in modern-day Syria. The nature and attributes of Ashi'ma are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, and much of what is known comes from extrabiblical sources and archaeological findings. Some scholars suggest that Ashi'ma may have been associated with a form of goat or sheep deity, possibly linked to fertility or pastoral life, though this is speculative. The worship of Ashi'ma, along with other foreign deities, was part of the broader issue of idolatry that plagued the Israelites and was condemned by the biblical prophets. The introduction of these gods into Israelite territory was seen as a violation of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the mention of Ashi'ma serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to the one true God. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need for exclusive worship of Yahweh and the rejection of foreign gods. The presence of Ashi'ma and other deities in Samaria illustrates the spiritual decline that contributed to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom. Biblical References · 2 Kings 17:30: "The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima." Conclusion While Ashi'ma is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, the deity's mention highlights the syncretism and idolatry that characterized the religious landscape of ancient Israel during the Assyrian period. The biblical account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from the worship of Yahweh and embracing foreign gods. Concordance Ashi'ma (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 17:30 Thesaurus Ashi'ma (1 Occurrence)Ashi'ma. Ashima, Ashi'ma. Ash'imah . Multi-Version Concordance Ashi'ma (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 17:30 And the men of Babylon made ... /a/ashi'ma.htm - 6k Ashima (1 Occurrence) Ash'imah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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