What was Asherahs?

The term Asherahs (plural of Asherah, Hebrew: אֲשֵׁרָה, ‘asherah’) refers to pagan cultic objects and possibly sacred trees or poles associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The name “Asherah” is also used to refer to the goddess herself, a fertility deity often considered the consort of Baal or El in the Canaanite pantheon. In the context of the Bible, however, the term “Asherahs” most often denotes physical representations or symbols used in idolatrous practices that were expressly forbidden by the LORD.

The Asherahs are mentioned in several books of the Old Testament, including Judges 3:7, where the Israelites are condemned for serving Baals and Asherahs, and again in Judges 6:25–26, when Gideon is commanded by God to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Although Judges 4 does not specifically name an Asherah pole, it fits the broader context of Canaanite oppression and Israel‘s repeated idolatry, where worship of Asherah and Baal was a recurring sin.

Biblical References and Context

• Judges 3:7 – “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs.”

• Judges 6:25-26 – “Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”

• Deuteronomy 16:21 – “Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the Lord your God.”

• 1 Kings 14:15, 2 Kings 21:7, 2 Chronicles 14:3 – Multiple examples of kings either erecting or tearing down Asherahs as part of national religious reform or decline.

• Judges 4 – Although Asherahs are not named here, the background of Canaanite oppression under Jabin king of Canaan and the spiritual state of Israel implies that idol worship, including Asherah worship, was part of Israel‘s rebellion.

The Significance of Asherahs in Israel’s History

The worship of Asherah was one of the major forms of idolatry in ancient Israel. These cultic objects were usually placed on high places, under green trees, or beside altars, and often took the form of wooden poles, living trees, or carved images. Asherah worship involved fertility rites and often included immoral practices such as cult prostitution, directly contradicting the holiness and covenantal standards of the God of Israel.

God repeatedly warned His people against such practices. The Law clearly prohibited setting up Asherah poles (Deuteronomy 16:21) and associated them with the wicked practices of the nations Israel was to dispossess. The persistence of Asherah worship, even among the kings of Judah and Israel, shows the spiritual danger of syncretism and disobedience.

Theological Implications

The existence of Asherahs among God’s people illustrates the human tendency to exchange the truth of God for a lie (cf. Romans 1:25). Israel’s repeated failure to remain faithful to the LORD brought divine discipline, often through foreign oppression. The cyclical pattern in the book of Judges—rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance—highlights both God’s justice and His mercy.

Asherah worship represented a counterfeit spiritual path, offering blessings of fertility, provision, and protection apart from the covenant relationship with the LORD. It distorted the image of God and corrupted true worship.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The persistent sin of idol worship, as seen in the veneration of Asherahs, sets the stage for the need of a true and faithful deliverer. Just as the Israelites needed judges like Deborah and Gideon to deliver them from oppression caused by their idolatry, all humanity needs the ultimate Deliverer—Jesus Christ, who came not only to break the physical bonds of oppression but also to free us from the spiritual bondage of sin and idolatry.

Christ fulfilled the law and perfectly obeyed where Israel failed. He alone is worthy of worship. The gospel calls people to turn from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), rejecting every false object of trust, including modern-day equivalents of Asherahs—things we rely on for security, identity, and meaning apart from God.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Idolatry vs. True Worship

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are called to exclusive worship of Him. The presence of Asherahs demonstrates the pervasiveness and danger of idolatry, which replaces God with counterfeit deities.

2. Covenant Faithfulness

Asherahs were tangible symbols of covenant unfaithfulness. Israel‘s idolatry broke the terms of God’s covenant, leading to judgment. But God’s faithful love continued to call His people to repentance.

3. God’s Patience and Mercy

Despite Israel’s repeated sin, God raised up deliverers, offering chances for repentance. Ultimately, this points to God’s longsuffering and grace, fully expressed in Jesus Christ.

4. The Holiness of God

Asherahs defiled the land and corrupted worship, but God continually emphasized that He is holy and His people must be holy (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness involves both separation from idolatry and devotion to God.

Reflection Questions

1. What “Asherahs” might exist in your life today—objects, desires, or habits that compete with your devotion to God?

2. How does the story of Israel’s idolatry help you understand the seriousness of spiritual compromise?

3. In what ways do you see Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer from the bondage of false worship and sin?

4. How can the church today guard itself against modern forms of idolatry and preserve pure worship?

5. What practical steps can you take to tear down “Asherahs” in your life and renew your faithfulness to the Lord?

The story of the Asherahs reminds believers that false worship is not just a historical problem but a present spiritual danger. Only Jesus Christ can truly satisfy and save. Therefore, let us turn from every idol and worship the Lord our God with undivided hearts.