Many people think that Asherah should not have been removed from the Bible, but this is a point of contention. Many assume she was taken out on purpose, while others speculate that it was an accident. The exact reason for her removal is unknown, but various theories about her are swirling around.
The first theory is that Asherah was seen as a threat to the male-dominated hierarchy of the time, who held sway over the sky, earth, and underworld. She was a powerful goddess who represented fertility, sexuality, and motherhood. She was also associated with trees and forests, symbolizing strength and power.
Another theory suggests that Asherah was sexually explicit for a religious text. She was often depicted naked or semi-naked in the art that was seen as scandalous by the people of the time, who believed sex should only be between a man and a woman within the confines of marriage.
Lastly, Asherah has been associated with paganism and idolatry since she was worshipped by the Canaanites, who were the enemies of the Israelites. The Israelites believed that their God, Yahweh, was the one true god and that all other gods were false idols.
So, what does this mean for religious believers and scholars? For believers, it means they may need to rethink their beliefs about Asherah, while for scholars, it means they must be careful when interpreting the Bible.
What Was the Story of Asherah?
Historians and archaeologists have partially reconstructed the story of Asherah by piecing together information found in regional artifacts and the Hebrew Bible. Asherah may have been celebrated in ancient Israel and Judah as early as the 12th century B.C., or at least for a few decades before the demise of the southern kingdom of Judah (587–586 B.C., the pre-exilic period). Asherah was referred to as a Canaanite goddess widely revered in the ancient Near East. She represented motherhood, sexuality, and fertility. The strength and power represented by trees and woods were also linked to Asherah.
Does the Bible Mention God’s Wife?
The Holy Scriptures clarify that God does not have a wife, a spouse, or other intimate relationships. Genesis 2:18 says, “The LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suited for him.” This indicates that God established marriage solely for human beings. Thus, since He [God] is a triune being, comprising the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, He is one with Himself and never needs a companion.
However, Raphael Patai, a notable historian, believes that Asherah was God’s wife, and the ancient Israelites worshipped both Yahweh and Asherah. This information has been supported by Ashera’s removal from the Bible due to her existence, challenging the authority of the male-dominated Hebrew God, Yahweh.
What Has Been Discovered About Asherah by Scholars?
Even though Asherah was edited out of the Bible, scholars have learned about her from other ancient texts. Asherah was originally a Canaanite goddess of fertility, adopted into the religion of Israel, and was often represented by a tree or pole.
Asherah was worshipped alongside Yahweh, the god of Israel, in many temples throughout the Israelite kingdom. And some scholars believe that she was even worshipped in the first temple of Solomon. However, she is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible after the time of King Josiah, who dethroned all traces of her worship in an attempt to purge the Israelite religion of pagan influences.
Who Are the Israelites?
The Israelites were a group of people who lived in the ancient Near East. They are best known for their religious beliefs, which are based on worshiping the Hebrew god Yahweh. They were also originally nomads who lived in the Sinai Desert. However, they eventually settled in the land of Canaan, where they established the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
The Babylonians conquered the Israelites in the sixth century BCE and exiled them to Babylon. However, they returned to their homeland after the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon. After this, the Israelites were divided into two groups: the Judeans, who lived in the kingdom of Judah, and the Samaritans, who lived in the realm of Israel. Unfortunately, the Romans conquered the Judeans while the Samaritans continued to live in their independent kingdom.
Bottom Line
The biblical account of Asherah was removed for different reasons. The most plausible explanation is that, as a woman, she was viewed as a threat to male power and authority. Her connections to sexuality and sex contributed to the taboo in many cultures, allowing people to consider her relationship with the natural world and the earth as primitive and pagan. Regardless of its motivations, the removal of Asherah from the Bible significantly influenced how she is portrayed in modern times.
