How many times is Asherah mentioned in the Bible? This question often arises among scholars and religious enthusiasts alike, as Asherah, a goddess worshiped by the ancient Israelites, has been a subject of much debate and controversy. Understanding the frequency of her mention can provide valuable insights into the religious practices and cultural context of the time.
Asherah was a Canaanite goddess associated with the natural world, fertility, and motherhood. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, frequently criticizes the worship of Asherah and other Canaanite deities. However, the exact number of times she is mentioned can be somewhat elusive, as her name is often associated with other terms or symbols.
According to a comprehensive analysis of the Hebrew Bible, Asherah is mentioned a total of 14 times. The majority of these mentions are found in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, where the prophet Elijah confronts the worship of Asherah and other Canaanite gods. Other references to Asherah can be found in the books of 1 Chronicles, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.
One of the most notable instances of Asherah’s mention is in 1 Kings 18:19, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal and Asherah. “Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table,” Elijah declares. This passage highlights the significance of Asherah in the religious practices of the time and the extent of her influence.
Another interesting mention of Asherah is in Ezekiel 8:14, where the prophet is taken in a vision to the inner court of the Lord’s house. “And he brought me to the inner court of the Lord’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs to the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east,” Ezekiel describes. Among these men, he mentions Asherah, suggesting that the worship of this goddess was still prevalent in some circles.
While the number of Asherah’s mentions in the Bible may seem relatively low, her presence is significant in understanding the religious and cultural landscape of ancient Israel. The frequency of her mention highlights the efforts of the biblical authors to distance themselves from the worship of Canaanite deities and emphasize the worship of the one true God. As such, the study of Asherah’s mentions in the Bible can provide valuable insights into the historical and religious context of the time.
