Introduction:
Astaroth, often associated with the Canaanite goddess Ashtoreth, is a significant figure in the religious and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East. The name Astaroth appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, primarily as a representation of idolatry and pagan worship that the Israelites were repeatedly warned against. Astaroth is linked to fertility, war, and love, and is often depicted as a consort to Baal, another prominent deity in Canaanite religion.

Biblical References:
Astaroth is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, often in the context of Israel's apostasy and the worship of foreign gods. In Judges 2:13 , it is stated, "for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths." This verse highlights the Israelites' abandonment of Yahweh in favor of Canaanite deities, including Astaroth. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 7:3-4 , the prophet Samuel calls the Israelites to repentance, urging them to "rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit your hearts to the LORD and serve Him only."

Cultural and Religious Context:
Astaroth, or Ashtoreth, was a prominent deity in the Canaanite pantheon, often associated with the planet Venus and linked to the goddess Ishtar of Mesopotamia and Aphrodite of Greece. Worship of Astaroth typically involved rituals and ceremonies that were considered abominable by the standards of Israelite religion, including temple prostitution and possibly child sacrifice. The presence of Astaroth worship among the Israelites is indicative of the syncretism that occurred as they settled in Canaan and were influenced by the surrounding cultures.

Theological Significance:
The worship of Astaroth represents a recurring theme of idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness in the history of Israel. The prophets and leaders of Israel, such as Samuel and Elijah, consistently called the people back to exclusive worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The struggle against the worship of Astaroth and other foreign gods underscores the biblical narrative of Israel's identity as a people set apart for the Lord.

Historical Impact:
The influence of Astaroth worship persisted throughout the history of Israel and Judah, contributing to the spiritual decline that led to periods of judgment and exile. The biblical narrative portrays the worship of Astaroth as a significant factor in the moral and spiritual corruption of the nation, leading to divine retribution. The eradication of Astaroth worship was a key aspect of religious reforms under kings such as Josiah, who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh alone.

Conclusion:
While Astaroth is not a deity worshiped in contemporary times, the biblical accounts of her influence serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God. The account of Astaroth in the Bible is a reminder of the constant call to holiness and the exclusive worship of the one true God.Astaroth

(1:4) [ASHTAROTH]

ASTAROTH

as'-ta-roth. See ASHTAROTH.

6252. Ashtarowth -- a place East of the Jordan
... Ashtarowth. 6252a . a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Ashtarowth Phonetic
Spelling: (ash-taw-roth') Short Definition: Ashtaroth. Asharoth, Astaroth ...
/hebrew/6252.htm - 6k

The Doxology
... and the glory, throughout heaven and earth, were His, then at once they began to
be afraid of heaven and earth, and worshipped Baalim, and Astaroth, and the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon x the doxology.htm

The Septuagint as a Version.
... Hebrew, eg in 1 Regn. vi.11 , 15, to thema ergab, vii.4 ta alse Astaroth,
xxiii.14 en Maserem en tois stenois. In the case of a ...
/.../chapter v the septuagint as.htm

Astaroth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASTAROTH. as'-ta-roth. See ASHTAROTH.
Multi-Version Concordance Astaroth (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy ...
/a/astaroth.htm - 6k

Beeshterah (1 Occurrence)
... ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James Version Astaroth; Astaroth,
the city of Og, king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 14, etc.); `ashteroth qarnayim ...
/b/beeshterah.htm - 12k

Ashterothkarnaim
... ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James Version Astaroth; Astaroth,
the city of Og, king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 14, etc.); `ashteroth qarnayim ...
/a/ashterothkarnaim.htm - 11k

Ashteroth-karnaim (1 Occurrence)
... ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James Version Astaroth; Astaroth,
the city of Og, king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 14, etc.); `ashteroth qarnayim ...
/a/ashteroth-karnaim.htm - 12k

Ashtaroth (13 Occurrences)
... ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James Version Astaroth; Astaroth,
the city of Og, king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 14, etc.); `ashteroth qarnayim ...
/a/ashtaroth.htm - 17k

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

/a/astarte.htm - 11k

Astad

/a/astad.htm - 6k

Slain (235 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in
Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei: (KJV WBS ...
/s/slain.htm - 38k

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in
Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei: (KJV ...
/d/dwelt.htm - 36k

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