Lexical Summary ashtaroth: young Original Word: עַשְׁתְּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flock Probably from ashar; increase -- flock. see HEBREW ashar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashath Definition perhaps young NASB Translation young (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [עַשְׁתָּרוֺת] noun plural feminine only construct in phrase עַשְׁתְּר(וֺ)ת צאֶֹ נ֑ךָ Deuteronomy 7:13; Deuteronomy 28:4,18,51 (all "" שְׁגַר אֲלָפֶיךָ) usually interpreted either as a. = ewes (Thes) or as b. = young (compare veneres gregis; in either case with reference to ±Aštart as goddess of fecundity; RSSemitic i. 292, 457 f., 2nd ed. 310, 476 f., adopting b, thinks one type of ±Ašt in Canaan had form of sheep, so DrDeuteronomy 7:13); compare also Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scopeעַשְׁתְּרָה designates the increase or young of small livestock, especially lambs and kids. In every occurrence the word is joined with צֹאן (“flock”) to highlight healthy reproduction within Israel’s herds. The term therefore becomes a concise expression for pastoral fertility and economic well-being under the covenant. Distribution in Scripture 1. Deuteronomy 7:13 All five texts appear in contexts that weigh covenant faithfulness by the state of Israel’s flocks—either blessed, cursed, or restored. Blessing under the Mosaic Covenant Deuteronomy 7:13 presents עַשְׁתְּרָה as a promised reward for obedience: “He will bless … the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks”. The increase of lambs would signal that Israel’s relationship with the LORD was sound, the land was yielding, and family tables were full (compare Psalm 65:11-13). Covenant Curses and National Judgment The same word becomes a barometer of judgment in the curses of Deuteronomy 28. Verse 4 mirrors the blessing, while verses 18 and 51 reverse it: “Cursed shall be … the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks” (28:18). When invading armies “eat the offspring of your livestock” (28:51), the loss of עַשְׁתְּרָה signals not merely economic ruin but divine displeasure. The flock’s emptiness dramatizes the spiritual barrenness of a disobedient nation. Historical Illustration during Asa’s Reformation 2 Chronicles 15:11 notes that Judah, having sought the LORD, offered “seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from the plunder they had brought”. The abundance of sacrificial animals implies that עַשְׁתְּרָה had again flourished. The renewed increase of the flock authenticated revival and enabled generous worship. Theological Reflections 1. Divine Ownership: Flock fertility is portrayed as God’s direct gift (Psalm 50:10-11). Christological Trajectory The New Testament identifies Christ as both the Passover Lamb (John 1:29) and the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). The physical lambs of Israel’s flocks prefigure the once-for-all sacrifice that secures eternal blessing. Thus, the restoration of עַשְׁתְּרָה foreshadows the spiritual fruitfulness found in the risen Christ (John 15:5). Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Recognize tangible resources—herds, fields, vocations—as gifts entrusted by God. The occurrences of עַשְׁתְּרָה therefore remind every generation that true prosperity flows from covenant fellowship with the LORD and finds its highest purpose in His glory. Forms and Transliterations וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת וְעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת וּבָעִתִּ֣ים ובעתים ועשתרות ועשתרת ū·ḇā·‘it·tîm ūḇā‘ittîm uvaitTim veashteRot wə‘aštərōṯ wə‘aštərōwṯ wə·‘aš·tə·rō·wṯ wə·‘aš·tə·rōṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 7:13 HEB: שְׁגַר־ אֲלָפֶ֙יךָ֙ וְעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת צֹאנֶ֔ךָ עַ֚ל NAS: of your herd and the young of your flock, KJV: of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, INT: the increase of your herd and the young of your flock in Deuteronomy 28:4 Deuteronomy 28:18 Deuteronomy 28:51 2 Chronicles 15:5 5 Occurrences |
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as name of land fertilized by dew and rain WeSkizzen iii. 170.