Metaphysical meaning of Ashtaroth (mbd)
Ashtaroth, ash'-ta-roth (Heb. from Pers.)--statues of Astarte; stars; riches; abundance; love; good fortune. Ashtaroth is the plural form of Ashtoreth.
a Idols, mentioned with the Baalim, as being worshipped by the Israelites when they turned away from the true God (I Sam. 12:10). b A city of Og of Bashan that was given to the half tribe of Manasseh (Deut. 1:4; I Chron. 6:71).
Meta. After Joshua died the children of Israel "forsook Jehovah, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that despoiled them" (Judg. 2: 13, 14). If we would avoid the condition that overcame the children of Israel, we must daily transmute our creative power, as we become conscious of it, into harmony with our spiritual consciousness. If we follow this plan the goal of spiritual attainment is ever within our reach and becomes a great stabilizing influence in our life. After we discover our spiritual powers, however, if we use them in an ignorant, material way (the worship of Baal), we are swept back into darkness. The only light that is left us then is the flicker of purely intellectual perception, which previously has guided us. (Ashtaroth means stars. Ashtaroth is said to refer to the worship of the moon also. The moon shines by light borrowed from the sun, and in man represents purely intellectual understanding.)
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Preceding Entry: Ashpenaz
Following Entry: Ashterathite
