Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Ashtoreth

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Ashtoreth, also known as Astarte, is a prominent figure in the pantheon of Canaanite deities and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a symbol of idolatry and apostasy among the Israelites. Ashtoreth was worshiped as a goddess of fertility, love, and war, and her cult was widespread among the neighboring nations of Israel, including the Canaanites, Philistines, and Phoenicians.

The worship of Ashtoreth is often associated with the male deity Baal, and together they represented a significant temptation for the Israelites, who were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations. The allure of Ashtoreth's worship lay in its sensual and licentious rites, which stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.

Scriptural References:

1. Judges 2:13 · "for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths." This verse highlights the Israelites' abandonment of Yahweh in favor of the Canaanite deities, indicating a recurring pattern of idolatry that plagued the nation.

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." Here, the prophet Samuel calls the Israelites to repentance, urging them to abandon the worship of Ashtoreth and return to exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

3. 1 Kings 11:5 · "For Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites." King Solomon's apostasy is marked by his worship of Ashtoreth, 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 passage describes King Josiah's reforms, where he destroyed the high places dedicated to Ashtoreth, signifying a return to the worship of Yahweh.

The worship of Ashtoreth was characterized by rituals that were often morally and spiritually corrupt, involving practices that were abhorrent to the God of Israel. The repeated warnings and condemnations of Ashtoreth worship in the Scriptures serve as a testament to the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their covenantal faithfulness amidst the pervasive influence of surrounding pagan cultures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 2:13
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 11:33
Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... 6; xvi.2; xx.7, 8). Doubtless the idols and idolatry ... head, and shown the source and
origin of all idolatry. ... The woman and the Beast are first mentioned in brief ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... and statue of
Dagon are mentioned in the ... harmony with history and other parts of Scripture. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... that are given them in scripture, demonstrate them ... to commit most gross and horrible
idolatry: For albeit ... copious heavens; for they are mentioned with respect ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm