The Bible
Asherah was an ancient Canaanite goddess who was widely worshipped in the Middle East region in the pre-biblical world. Although her worship inspired considerable tension among the Israelites, she had become so popular among them that her name was mentioned in the Bible, the sacred Christian comprehension. In general terms, the Bible holds four types of material, namely historical, canonical, prophetic, and poetical. Chronicles, Kings, Judgments, and the Song of Songs are a few examples of books in which Asherah is mentioned.
Historical Books
Asherah is mentioned in the historical books of Chronicles and Kings, and specifically in I Kings 15:13. In this verse, Asa is accused of having transgressed against God by removing his mother Maacah from being queen, because she had carved an Asherah idol. Asherah is also mentioned in other contexts such as the nearness of King Josiah’s worship of her in 2 Kings 23:4 or when Asa removed his mother’s other idols that she had made. Chronicles also mentions Asherah briefly in 2 Chronicles 15:16, when Asa brings his mother’s idols to the brook and throws them into it.
Canonical Books
The canonical books of Kings and Chronicles also mention Asherah. In Deuteronomy 7:5, Asherah is mentioned as gods and idols to be destroyed. Further, in 2 Kings 21:3, Manasseh instigates the people to worship Asherah by erecting an Asherah pillar in the temple, though it is not explicitly mentioned. In other cases, the references of Asherah are not direct, such as in passages like Joshua 6:26 where they refer to removal of things associated with Asherah, even though the name is not included in the text.
Prophetic Material
Although Asherah is mentioned less often in the prophetic material, Isaiah 17:8 refers to Asherah’s cult object and alludes to the fact that it will be destroyed. Furthermore, the prophets Hosea and Jeremiah also refer to Asherah in Hosea 4:13 and Jeremiah 11:16.
Poetical Material
The evidence for her cult in poetical material is particularly direct. She is mentioned in many books such as Song of Songs and Psalms where she is mentioned indirectly through the use of divine epithets. Probably the most explicit reference of Asherah is the mention of her being accompanied by her consort in Psalm 18:9.
Impact of Asherah
Asherah was a powerful goddess and a manifestation of the Canaanite view of the divine. By mentioning her in the Bible, it brings attention to her cult and the power she wielded over the Israelites. Worship of Asherah shifted forms often in biblical times, reflecting the shifting relationship between her cult and the Israelite people. The various references to Asherah in the Bible suggest that she was highly accepted by the ancient Israelites despite the tensions that her existence created between them and Yahweh.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological findings offer further evidence of the impact of Asherah’s cult. Many artefacts related to her cult have been found dating as early as the Bronze Age. Such artefacts include images depicting the goddess, Gods and Goddess footprints, her cultic signs, and other unearthed artifacts related to her cult. These findings have significantly helped to uncover the impact of Asherah’s cult among the ancient Israelites and the Middle East region.
Cultural and Religious Resonance
Although her worshippers saw her as a separate being from the Israelite God, she has also been conceived of in terms of a cosmic link to other Near Eastern Goddess cults. The resonance of Asherah’s legacy is still felt today in many forms. She is celebrated in near eastern Goddess movements and is seen as the archetype of feminine divinity. Furthermore, modern denominations within the three religions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity associate specific attributes to her name.
Influence on Jewish Thought
Asherah’s cult has been highly influential in Jewish thought and literature, despite being marginalised and suppressed throughout much of history. Many modern Jewish theologians and scholars have drawn connections between Asherah and other important figures in the Jewish tradition, such as the prophet Elijah, the sage Hillel, and even Queen Esther. Furthermore, Asherah has been seen as a powerful figure of matriarchy in Jewish scholarship and is often seen as a symbol of divine power and feminine strength.
Interpretations in Ancient Literature
In ancient literature, Asherah was often interpreted as a goddess of love and fertility, with the Canaanites worshipping her as a fertility goddess and patroness of kings. However, other interpretations see her as a goddess of motherhood, protection, and wisdom. As a result, her cult was particularly endorsed by women and often incorporated female fertility rituals as well as lore associated with childbirth.
Interpretations in Contemporary Scholarship
In contemporary scholarship, Asherah is often seen as an androgynous, gender-fluid deity. She is often seen as a protective figure and is thought to symbolise female sexuality, motherhood and creativity. In contemporary scholarship, Asherah has become a powerful symbol of feminine strength and resilience, as well as a figurehead for female liberation from misogynistic cultural norms.
Interpretations in Popular Culture
In recent years, Asherah has gained popularity in popular culture and has been featured in multiple media ranging from movies, television series, novels and video games. Most popularly, she is featured in the critically acclaimed video game series “Assassin’s Creed,” where she is portrayed as a figure of wisdom, power, and guidance. She is also a central figure in the “Hitman” video game franchise, where her cult is a key plot line. In other works, she is sometimes portrayed as a powerful figure of motherhood and nurturing, or a powerful warrior goddess. Asherah has become an important symbol for many popular culture enthusiasts, conveying a powerful message about feminism and female power.
