Topical Encyclopedia Ashtoreth, a prominent deity in the ancient Near Eastern pantheon, was worshiped primarily by the Canaanites and other neighboring cultures. Often associated with fertility, love, and war, Ashtoreth was considered the consort of Baal and was frequently represented by idols and high places dedicated to her worship. The Israelites, despite being commanded to worship Yahweh alone, were repeatedly drawn into the idolatrous practices of their neighbors, including the veneration of Ashtoreth.The high places dedicated to Ashtoreth in Jerusalem became a significant point of contention in the history of Israel. These high places were elevated sites, often on hills or mountains, where altars and idols were erected for the purpose of worship and sacrifice. The presence of such sites in Jerusalem, the city chosen by God for His temple, was a direct violation of the covenant between God and Israel. The Bible records several instances where the high places of Ashtoreth were established and subsequently destroyed as part of religious reforms. One of the most notable reforms occurred during the reign of King Josiah. Josiah, known for his dedication to the Lord and his efforts to purify the worship practices of Judah, took decisive action against idolatry. In 2 Kings 23:13 , it is written: "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites." This passage highlights the extent to which idolatrous practices had infiltrated the religious life of Israel, even being established by King Solomon, who initially built these high places to accommodate his foreign wives' religious practices (1 Kings 11:7-8). Josiah's reforms were comprehensive, as he sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate the influence of foreign deities. His actions were in accordance with the Law of Moses, which explicitly forbade the worship of other gods and commanded the destruction of their altars and high places (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). The destruction of the high places of Ashtoreth in Jerusalem was a significant step in the religious reformation of Judah. It symbolized a return to the exclusive worship of Yahweh and a rejection of the syncretistic practices that had plagued the nation. Josiah's reforms were a fulfillment of the prophetic call to repentance and a demonstration of the king's commitment to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. Nave's Topical Index Library National Apostasy The Nations of the South-East Canaan Babylonia and Assyria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Sixth vision "On Earth" An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ashtoreth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ashtoreth: High Places of, at Jerusalem, Destroyed Ashtoreth: Worshiped by Israelites Related Terms |
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