What was Astaroth?

Astaroth (also spelled Ashtaroth or Ashteroth) was a significant city in the ancient land of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. The name Astaroth comes from the Hebrew עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (‘Ashtaroth’), which is the plural form of Ashtoreth, the name of a pagan goddess associated with fertility and war. Despite the idolatrous connotation, Astaroth as a place is historically recognized as a major city that played a prominent role in the Old Testament narrative, particularly during the conquest of Canaan.

Astaroth is mentioned in Numbers 33:37, which recounts the stages of Israel’s wilderness journey:

“They left Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the border of Edom.”
Although this verse does not mention Astaroth directly, the broader context of the Israelite movement in Numbers and Deuteronomy places Astaroth as part of the land conquered before entering the Promised Land.

The most direct references to Astaroth can be found in passages such as Deuteronomy 1:4, Joshua 9:10, Joshua 12:4, and 1 Chronicles 6:71, where it is mentioned as the royal city of Og king of Bashan, a notable giant among the Rephaim, whom Israel defeated during their conquest.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Numbers 21:33–35 – The defeat of Og king of Bashan

• Deuteronomy 1:4 – Astaroth identified as Og’s capital

• Joshua 9:10; 12:4; 13:12, 31 – Listing of Astaroth among the conquered territories

• 1 Chronicles 6:71 – Astaroth allotted to the Levites from the tribe of Manasseh

Historical and Biblical Context

Astaroth was the capital city of Og, king of Bashan, who reigned in the region east of the Jordan. Og is described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (Deuteronomy 3:11). The Israelites encountered and defeated Og during their journey to the Promised Land. His kingdom, which included Astaroth and Edrei, was considered formidable due to the size of its people and their fortified cities.

After Og‘s defeat, the land was distributed among the tribes of Israel. Astaroth fell within the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh and was later given to the Levites as a city of refuge and service (1 Chronicles 6:71). This transition—from a pagan royal capital to a Levitical city—symbolizes the transformation of pagan strongholds into places of worship and service to the true God.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Astaroth represents the conquering power of God over strongholds—both physical and spiritual. Just as Israel defeated Og and took possession of his territory, Christians are called to overcome spiritual opposition and take ground for the Kingdom of God. The transformation of Astaroth from a center of paganism to a Levitical city signifies how God redeems what was once unclean or hostile and uses it for His purposes.

In a broader sense, Astaroth reminds believers that no power—be it idolatry, history, or legacy—is too great for God to overcome. Through obedience and faith, God‘s people are enabled to tear down strongholds and establish places of righteousness and worship.

How Astaroth Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Astaroth points to Jesus in several ways. First, the defeat of Og foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over the powers of darkness and death. Og, a giant and enemy of God‘s people, symbolizes sin and demonic strongholds—enemies that Christ has conquered through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15).

Second, the transformation of the city into a Levitical possession echoes how Jesus redeems people and places for God‘s glory. The Levites, set apart for God’s service, serve as a type of Christ’s priesthood. In Christ, believers are made into a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), called to bring light into dark places—just as Astaroth went from a pagan city to a place of God‘s presence.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Victory Over Pagan Nations

The conquest of Astaroth reflects God‘s judgment against idolatry and His promise to give His people an inheritance. It emphasizes God‘s supremacy over false gods and worldly powers.

2. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant

The Israelites’ victories, including Astaroth, display God‘s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Astaroth became part of the land promised to the patriarchs.

3. Redemption and Repurposing

Astaroth’s transformation into a Levitical city illustrates the biblical theme of redemption—God taking what was once defiled and repurposing it for holy use.

4. Spiritual Warfare and Inheritance

The conquest of fortified cities like Astaroth serves as a picture of the spiritual battle believers face. Through Christ, believers claim their spiritual inheritance, not by might, but by faith and God’s power (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Reflection Questions

1. What strongholds in your life need to be surrendered to God‘s authority, just as Astaroth was conquered and transformed?

2. How does the story of Astaroth strengthen your confidence in God’s power to redeem people and places?

3. In what ways are you serving as a “Levitical presence” in your community—bringing truth and light into dark places?

4. What does Astaroth teach you about God‘s faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even when the opposition seems overwhelming?

5. How can the transformation of Astaroth encourage you to pray for the redemption of places or people that currently seem far from God?

Astaroth serves as a powerful biblical symbol of God’s dominion, judgment against idolatry, and redemptive purpose. Its history challenges Christians to trust in God‘s power to transform and reclaim every part of life for His glory through Christ.