Judges 2:13 says, "They abandoned Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth." Let's break down what this means:
"They": This refers to the Israelites, the people who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and brought into the promised land.
"Abandoned Yahweh": Yahweh is the personal name of the God of Israel, the God who had made a covenant with them. Abandoning Yahweh means they turned away from their loyalty, worship, and obedience to Him.
"Served Baal and the Ashtaroth": Baal and Ashtaroth (also spelled Ashtoreth) were Canaanite deities.
Baal: Generally, Baal was a title meaning "lord" or "master," but it was often used for a specific storm god/fertility deity worshipped in Canaan. Different regions might have their own local Baal. He was associated with rain, agricultural productivity, and power.
Ashtaroth: Ashtaroth was a prominent Canaanite goddess, often associated with fertility, love, and war. She was seen as Baal's consort in some traditions.
So, the verse in its entirety means: The Israelites were unfaithful to their covenant with God. Instead of worshipping and obeying Him alone, they turned to the gods of the surrounding Canaanite cultures, specifically Baal and Ashtaroth, in order to seek those deities' perceived benefits, such as prosperity, fertile land, and successful harvests. This act was seen as a grave offense against God.
Judges 2:13 says, "They abandoned Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth." Let's break down what this means:
"They": This refers to the Israelites, the people who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and brought into the promised land.
"Abandoned Yahweh": Yahweh is the personal name of the God of Israel, the God who had made a covenant with them. Abandoning Yahweh means they turned away from their loyalty, worship, and obedience to Him.
"Served Baal and the Ashtaroth": Baal and Ashtaroth (also spelled Ashtoreth) were Canaanite deities.
Baal: Generally, Baal was a title meaning "lord" or "master," but it was often used for a specific storm god/fertility deity worshipped in Canaan. Different regions might have their own local Baal. He was associated with rain, agricultural productivity, and power.
Ashtaroth: Ashtaroth was a prominent Canaanite goddess, often associated with fertility, love, and war. She was seen as Baal's consort in some traditions.
So, the verse in its entirety means: The Israelites were unfaithful to their covenant with God. Instead of worshipping and obeying Him alone, they turned to the gods of the surrounding Canaanite cultures, specifically Baal and Ashtaroth, in order to seek those deities' perceived benefits, such as prosperity, fertile land, and successful harvests. This act was seen as a grave offense against God.