Topical Encyclopedia Ashtaroth, also known as Ashtaroth-Karnaim, was a prominent city in the ancient region of Bashan, located east of the Jordan River. This city held significant importance in biblical history and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Ashtaroth was the capital of Bashan, a territory known for its fertile lands and formidable inhabitants, the Rephaim, who were considered giants.Historical and Biblical Context Ashtaroth is first mentioned in the context of the Rephaim, a group of ancient people known for their great size and strength. In Genesis 14:5, during the time of Abraham, Chedorlaomer and his allied kings defeated the Rephaim in Ashtaroth-Karnaim: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashtaroth-Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim" . The city later became a significant location during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. Under the leadership of Moses, the Israelites defeated Og, the king of Bashan, who ruled from Ashtaroth. This victory is recorded in Deuteronomy 1:4: "This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei" . Allotment to the Tribe of Manasseh Following the conquest of the land, Ashtaroth was allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allocation is detailed in the book of Joshua, where the land east of the Jordan, including Bashan, was given to the descendants of Joseph. Joshua 13:29-31 states: "This is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the family of the descendants of Manasseh, according to their clans: The territory extending from Mahanaim and including all of Bashan, the entire realm of Og king of Bashan—all the settlements of Jair in Bashan, sixty towns, half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei (the royal cities of Og in Bashan). This was for the descendants of Makir son of Manasseh—for half of the sons of Makir, according to their clans" . Religious and Cultural Significance Ashtaroth was not only a political center but also held religious significance. The name "Ashtaroth" is associated with the Canaanite goddess Astarte, a deity of fertility and war. This connection suggests that the city may have been a center for pagan worship before the Israelite conquest. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, including the worship of deities like Astarte. Archaeological Insights Modern archaeological efforts have sought to identify the precise location of ancient Ashtaroth. While the exact site remains uncertain, it is generally believed to be in the region of modern-day Tell Ashtara in Syria. Excavations in the area have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insight into the city's historical and cultural context during biblical times. Ashtaroth's role as a capital city, its association with the Rephaim, and its eventual integration into the territory of Manasseh highlight its importance in the biblical narrative. The city's history reflects the broader themes of conquest, inheritance, and the struggle against idolatry that are central to the Old Testament. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 13:31And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining to the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 6:71 Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ashtaroth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |