Grove

(1.) Heb. ‘asherah, properly a wooden image, or a pillar representing Ashtoreth, a sensual Canaanitish goddess, probably usually set up in a grove (2 Kings 21:7; 23:4). In the Revised Version the word “Asherah” (q.v.) is introduced as a proper noun, the name of the wooden symbol of a goddess, with the plurals Asherim (Ex. 34:13) and Asheroth (Judg. 3:13). The LXX. have rendered asherah in 2 Chr. 15:16 by “Astarte.” The Vulgate has done this also in Judg. 3:7. (2.) Heb. ‘eshel (Gen. 21:33). In 1 Sam. 22:6 and 31:13 the Authorized Version renders this word by “tree.” In all these passages the Revised Version renders by “tamarisk tree.” It has been identified with the Tamariscus orientalis, five species of which are found in Palestine. (3.) The Heb. word ‘elon, uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “plain,” properly signifies a grove or plantation. In the Revised Version it is rendered, pl., “oaks” (Gen. 13:18; 14:13; 18:1; 12:6; Deut. 11:30; Josh. 19:33). In the earliest times groves are mentioned in connection with religious worship. The heathen consecrated groves to particular gods, and for this reason they were forbidden to the Jews (Jer. 17:3; Ezek. 20:28).

GROVE. The translation, except in Gen 21:33, of the Hebrew word asherah; but since asherah is regarded by the best interpreters to be an "idol" or an idolatrous pillar (an image of Astarte, and not a "grove,") the translation is misleading, as in 1 Kgs 18:19; 2 Kgs 13:6, and other places. See Ashtoreth. But it is likely that this asherah was often set up in a grove, because thus would be given that seclusion necessary to the cruel and indecent rites which marked, among Oriental nations, the worship of false divinities.

GROVE. The translation, except in Gen 21:33, of the Hebrew word asherah; but since asherah is regarded by the best interpreters to be an "idol" or an idolatrous pillar (an image of Astarte, and not a "grove,") the translation is misleading, as in 1 Kgs 18:19; 2 Kgs 13:6, and other places. See Ashtoreth. But it is likely that this asherah was often set up in a grove, because thus would be given that seclusion necessary to the cruel and indecent rites which marked, among Oriental nations, the worship of false divinities.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

The original sense seems to have been a lane cut through trees. See Grave, v., and cf. Groove.] A smaller group of trees than a forest, and without underwood, planted, or growing naturally as if arranged by art; a wood of small extent.