Introduction:
Ash'Taroth, also known as Ashtoreth, is a significant figure in the religious and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. Ashtoreth is often associated with fertility, love, and war, and is considered a prominent deity among the Canaanites and other neighboring cultures. The plural form, Ash'Taroth, may refer to multiple manifestations or representations of this goddess or to the cities and regions dedicated to her worship.

Biblical References:
Ashtoreth is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often in the context of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations and their gods. The Israelites were frequently warned against worshiping foreign deities, including Ashtoreth, as this was seen as a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh.

1. Judges 2:13 : "for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths." This verse highlights the Israelites' recurring apostasy, turning away from Yahweh to serve Baal and Ashtoreth, which led to their oppression by surrounding nations.

2. 1 Samuel 7:3-4 : "Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, 'If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths. Commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.' So the Israelites put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths and served only the LORD." This passage underscores the call to repentance and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, rejecting the influence of Ashtoreth.

3. 1 Kings 11:5 : "Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites." King Solomon's worship of Ashtoreth is noted as part of his spiritual decline, influenced by his foreign wives, which ultimately led to the division of the kingdom.

4. 2 Kings 23:13 : "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, on the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king 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 verse describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the destruction of sites dedicated to Ashtoreth, as part of his efforts to restore true worship in Judah.

Cultural and Religious Context:
Ashtoreth was widely worshiped in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Canaanites, Phoenicians, and Sidonians. She is often equated with the goddess Astarte and is associated with the planet Venus. Ashtoreth's worship typically involved rituals and ceremonies aimed at ensuring fertility and prosperity, and she was often depicted as a consort to Baal, another prominent Canaanite deity.

The worship of Ashtoreth and other foreign gods posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, as it often led to syncretism and the dilution of their monotheistic faith. The biblical narrative consistently portrays the worship of Ashtoreth as an abomination and a source of divine judgment against Israel.

Archaeological and Historical Insights:
Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and artifacts, have provided additional insights into the worship of Ashtoreth. Temples and altars dedicated to her have been discovered in various ancient sites, confirming her widespread veneration. These findings align with the biblical accounts of her influence and the persistent temptation she posed to the Israelites.

Theological Significance:
The biblical references to Ashtoreth serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The repeated warnings and consequences associated with the worship of Ashtoreth highlight the central biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and the call to holiness.Plural Ash-Taroth Ashtoreth

Called by the Greeks Astarte, was a goddess of the Phoenicians, 2 Kings 23:13, whose worship was also introduced among the Israelites and Philistines, 1 Kings 11:5,33 1 Samuel 7:3 31:10. She is commonly named in connection with Baal, Jud 2:13 10:6 1 Samuel 7:4 12:10. Another Hebrew name for the same goddess is Aherah, the happy, the fortunate; or more simply, fortune. This last name is commonly rendered in the English version "grove;" but eminent Hebrew scholars think this meaning is unsupported either by the etymology or the context. Both these Hebrew names of Astarte, when used in the plural, often signify images or statues of Astarte; which are said to be set up, broken down, destroyed, etc. In connection with the worship of Atari there was much of dissolute licentiousness; and the public prostitutes of both sexes were regarded as consecrated to her. See 2 Kings 23:7. Compare Le 19:29 De 23:18.

As Baal or Bel denotes, in the astrological mythology of the East, the male star of fortune, the planet Jupiter; so Ashtoreth signifies the female star of fortune, the planet Venus. As to the opinion that Baal designates the sun, and Ashtoreth the moon, see under BAAL. Compare Jeremiah 7:18 11:13 44:17,18 Ezekiel 16:1-63.

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