Topical Encyclopedia Atargatis, also known as Derceto or Dea Syria, was a prominent goddess in ancient Near Eastern mythology, particularly among the Arameans and other Semitic peoples. She was primarily worshiped in the region of Syria, with her most famous temple located in Hierapolis (modern-day Manbij, Syria). Atargatis is often depicted as a mermaid-like figure, symbolizing her association with fertility, water, and the sea. Her worship included rituals and ceremonies that emphasized her role as a life-giving and nurturing deity.Historical and Cultural Context Atargatis was considered the chief goddess of northern Syria and was often associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman Venus due to her attributes of love and fertility. Her consort was Hadad, a storm and rain god, which further emphasized her connection to life-giving forces. The worship of Atargatis included elaborate rites, and her priests were known for their distinctive practices, which sometimes included self-mutilation and ecstatic dances. Biblical References and Connections While Atargatis is not directly mentioned in the Bible, her influence and the worship of similar deities are evident in the biblical narrative. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, which were prevalent among the neighboring nations of Israel. The Israelites were often warned against adopting the religious practices of these nations, including the worship of fertility deities like Atargatis. In the Old Testament, the worship of foreign gods is condemned, as seen in passages such as Deuteronomy 12:30-31 : "Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, 'How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.' You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates." The worship of deities like Atargatis often involved practices that were considered abominable by the standards of the Mosaic Law, including ritual prostitution and other forms of sexual immorality. The Israelites were repeatedly admonished to remain faithful to Yahweh and to avoid the syncretism that characterized the religious practices of their neighbors. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the worship of Atargatis and similar deities represents the human tendency to seek divine favor through tangible and often sensual means. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the distinction between the worship of the one true God, who is spirit and truth, and the worship of idols, which are the work of human hands and imagination. The prophets of Israel, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, frequently spoke against idolatry, highlighting the futility of worshiping gods that could neither see nor hear. Isaiah 44:9-10 states: "Those who fashion idols are all nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?" Archaeological and Historical Evidence Archaeological discoveries have provided insight into the worship of Atargatis, including temple ruins, inscriptions, and iconography depicting the goddess. These findings corroborate historical accounts of her widespread veneration and the syncretic nature of her worship, which often blended elements from various cultures and religious traditions. The enduring legacy of Atargatis in the ancient Near East serves as a testament to the complex religious landscape that surrounded the biblical world. Her worship, while not directly mentioned in the Scriptures, reflects the broader context of idolatry and the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal relationship with God amidst a polytheistic environment. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATARGATISa-tar'-ga-tis (Atargatis; the Revised Version (British and American) wrongly ATERGATIS): Library The Gods of the Different Nations Varro's Gentile Class. Their ... Footnotes The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Thesaurus Atargatis... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATARGATIS. a-tar'-ga-tis (Atargatis; the Revised Version (British and American) wrongly ATERGATIS ... /a/atargatis.htm - 7k Ataroth (7 Occurrences) Kittim (8 Occurrences) Diana (5 Occurrences) Carnaim At'arah (1 Occurrence) Artemis (5 Occurrences) Carchemish (3 Occurrences) Atergatis Resources Are mermaids mentioned in the Bible? Do mermaids exist? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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