The term "Ashterathite" refers to an inhabitant of Ashteroth, a city of significance in the ancient Near East, particularly within the context of biblical history. Ashteroth, also known as Ashtaroth or Ashtoreth, was a prominent city in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. It is often associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Astarte, also known as Ashtoreth, who was linked to fertility and war.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 11:44 : The term "Ashterathite" is specifically mentioned in the context of David's mighty warriors. The verse states, "Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite." This reference highlights the inclusion of individuals from Ashteroth among the elite group of warriors who served King David, indicating the city's integration into the broader narrative of Israel's history.

2. Geographical and Historical Context:
· Ashteroth was located in the territory of Bashan, which was known for its fertile lands and strong cities. The city is mentioned in various biblical passages as part of the land conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses and later settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 13:31).
· The region of Bashan, including Ashteroth, was ruled by King Og, one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The defeat of Og and the subsequent allocation of his territory to the Israelites is a significant event in the conquest narratives (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11).

3. Cultural and Religious Significance:
· Ashteroth was a center for the worship of the goddess Ashtoreth, a deity associated with the Canaanite pantheon. Ashtoreth was often linked to the planet Venus and was considered a goddess of love and war. The worship of Ashtoreth and other Canaanite deities was a recurring issue for the Israelites, as it often led to idolatry and apostasy (Judges 2:13; 1 Samuel 7:3-4).
· The presence of an Ashterathite among David's mighty men suggests a degree of cultural assimilation and the potential for individuals from different backgrounds to be integrated into the Israelite community, provided they aligned themselves with the worship of Yahweh and the covenantal community.

Theological Implications:
The mention of an Ashterathite in the context of David's warriors serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds of those who contributed to the establishment of Israel's monarchy. It underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty in using people from various origins to fulfill His purposes. The integration of individuals from places like Ashteroth into the Israelite narrative reflects the broader biblical message of redemption and inclusion for those who turn to the God of Israel.

In summary, the Ashterathite represents a connection between the ancient city of Ashteroth and the unfolding account of Israel's history, highlighting themes of conquest, cultural interaction, and religious fidelity.Ashterathite

a native or inhabitant of Ashtaroth, (1 Chronicles 11:44) beyond Jordan.

ASHTERATHITE

ash'-te-rath-it, ash-ter'-ath-it (ha-`ashterathi): A native of Ashtaroth: Uzzia, one of David's heroes (1 Chronicles 11:44).

6254. Ashterathi -- inhab. of Ashtaroth
... of Ashtaroth. Transliteration: Ashterathi Phonetic Spelling: (ash-ter-aw-thee')
Short Definition: Ashterathite. ... of Ashtaroth NASB Word Usage Ashterathite (1). ...
/hebrew/6254.htm - 6kAshterathite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHTERATHITE. ash'-te-rath ... 44). Multi-Version
Concordance Ashterathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/ashterathite.htm - 7k

Uzzia (1 Occurrence)
... UZZIA. u-zi'-a (`uzziya', "my strength is Yah"; see UZZIAH): An Ashterathite and
one of David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:44). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/u/uzzia.htm - 6k

Ash'terathite (1 Occurrence)
Ash'terathite. Ashterathite, Ash'terathite. Ashteroth . ... 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia
the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; (See RSV ...
/a/ash'terathite.htm - 6k

Uzzi'a (1 Occurrence)
... Uzzi'a (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; (See RSV). Uzzia, Uzzi'a. Uzziah . ...
/u/uzzi'a.htm - 6k

Je-i'el (11 Occurrences)
... Maacah: (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 15 ...
/j/je-i'el.htm - 9k

Jehiel (17 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the
sons of Hothan the Aroerite, (KJV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jehiel.htm - 16k

Jeiel (13 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons
of Hotham the Aroerite, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). 1 ...
/j/jeiel.htm - 13k

Ashtarothite (1 Occurrence)

/a/ashtarothite.htm - 6k

Aroerite (1 Occurrence)
... Aroerite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/aroerite.htm - 7k

Aro'erite (1 Occurrence)
... Aro'erite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; (See RSV). Aroerite, Aro'erite. Arom ...
/a/aro'erite.htm - 6k

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