Ashima is a deity mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the religious practices of the people of Hamath. The reference to Ashima is found in 2 Kings 17:30, which states: "The men of Hamath made Ashima." This passage is part of a broader narrative describing the syncretistic worship practices that emerged among the peoples resettled in Samaria by the Assyrian Empire after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

The worship of Ashima is associated with the city of Hamath, an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Syria. Hamath was a significant urban center in the ancient Near East and had interactions with various neighboring cultures and empires, including the Israelites. The introduction of Ashima into the religious landscape of Samaria reflects the Assyrian policy of relocating conquered peoples, which often led to the blending of religious traditions.

Religious Significance

Ashima is believed to be a deity of West Semitic origin, although specific details about the nature and attributes of this god are sparse. The name "Ashima" may be related to the concept of "guilt" or "offense," but the exact etymology and significance remain uncertain. The worship of Ashima, along with other foreign deities, was contrary to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Hebrew Scriptures. The presence of such deities in Israelite territory was seen as a violation of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Biblical Perspective

From a biblical perspective, the worship of Ashima and other foreign gods is consistently condemned. The First Commandment, as given in Exodus 20:3, states: "You shall have no other gods before Me." The introduction of Ashima into the religious practices of the Israelites is viewed as part of the broader pattern of idolatry that led to the spiritual and moral decline of the Northern Kingdom. The biblical narrative emphasizes the consequences of abandoning the worship of the one true God in favor of idols, which ultimately contributed to the downfall and exile of the Israelites.

Theological Implications

The mention of Ashima in the Bible serves as a reminder of the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining fidelity to God's commandments. It underscores the biblical theme of the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry in all its forms. The narrative of 2 Kings 17 highlights the need for discernment and faithfulness in the face of cultural and religious pressures that seek to dilute or compromise the worship of God.

Conclusion

While Ashima is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, the reference to this deity provides insight into the religious dynamics of the ancient Near East and the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The biblical account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of adhering to the covenantal relationship with God.Ashima

crime; offense

Ashima

a god of the Hamathite colonists in Samaria. (2 Kings 17:30) It has been regarded as identical with the Pan of the Greeks.

Ashima

A deity adored by the men of Hamath, who were settled in Samaria, 2 Kings 17:30.

ASHIMA

a-shi'-ma, ash'-i-ma ('ashima'; Asimath): A deity worshipped at Hamath (2 Kings 17:30) of whom nothing further is known. It has been suggested that the name is the same as that of the goddess Simi, the daughter of the supreme god Hadad, who was worshipped at Membij, but there is nothing to support the suggestion.

807. Ashima -- a god of Hamath
... 806b, 807. Ashima. 808 . a god of Hamath. Transliteration: Ashima Phonetic
Spelling: (ash-ee-maw') Short Definition: Ashima. Word ...
/hebrew/807.htm - 5k

Divided Worship
... Babylon made Succoth-benoth' (probably a deity, though the name may mean booths
for purposes of prostitution) and the others 'made Nergal and Ashima and Nibhaz ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/divided worship.htm

Ashima (1 Occurrence)
...ASHIMA. a-shi'-ma, ash'-i-ma ('ashima'; Asimath): A deity worshipped at Hamath
(2 Kings 17:30) of whom nothing further is known. ...Ashima (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/ashima.htm - 7k

Ashi'ma (1 Occurrence)
Ashi'ma. Ashima, Ashi'ma. Ash'imah . Multi-Version Concordance Ashi'ma
(1 Occurrence). ... Ashima, Ashi'ma. Ash'imah . Reference Bible.
/a/ashi'ma.htm - 6k

Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence)
... 2. Sir H. Rawlinson's Identification of the Name: The parallelism, however, requires
a deity, like the Nergal of the Cutheans, the Ashima of the Hamathites, etc ...
/s/succoth-benoth.htm - 9k

Succothbenoth (1 Occurrence)
... 2. Sir H. Rawlinson's Identification of the Name: The parallelism, however, requires
a deity, like the Nergal of the Cutheans, the Ashima of the Hamathites, etc ...
/s/succothbenoth.htm - 9k

Ashhur (2 Occurrences)

/a/ashhur.htm - 8k

Hamath (36 Occurrences)
... But the revolt was suppressed, and the people of Hamath were transported to Samaria
(2 Kings 17:24, 30), where they continued to worship their god Ashima. ...
/h/hamath.htm - 25k

Nergal (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal,
and the men of Hamath made Ashima, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/n/nergal.htm - 8k

Benoth (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal,
and the men of Hamath made Ashima, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/b/benoth.htm - 6k

Cuth (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal,
and the men of Hamath made Ashima, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/c/cuth.htm - 8k

Cuthah (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:30 And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth
made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, (See NIV). ...
/c/cuthah.htm - 9k

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