1 Samuel 7:3

the strange gods and Ashtaroth The strange gods and the Ashtaroth = "the Baalim and the Ashtaroth" of 1 Samuel 7:4. Baalimis the plural of Baal, Ashtaroth of Ashtoreth, and the plural denotes either (a) the numerous images of these deities, or (b) the different forms under which they were worshipped, as Baal-Peor, Baal-Berith, Baal-Zebub.

Baal (lord) was the supreme male deity of the Phoenician and Canaanite nations, and probably is to be identified with the Babylonian Bel.

Ashtoreth (Gr. Astarte) was the corresponding female deity, worshipped in Babylonia under the name Ishtar as the goddess of battles and victories, in which character she also appears among the Philistines, war-spoils being dedicated to her (ch. 1 Samuel 31:10). Her symbol was the Ashçrah(rendered "grove" in the E. V., Judges 3:7 and frequently), probably a wooden column or image resembling the sacred tree of the Assyrians, the worship of which is very commonly coupled with that of Baal.

The Baal-worship which began in the wilderness, when the Israelites "joined themselves to Baal-peor" the god of Moab, seems never to have been thoroughly eradicated during the period of the Judges. See Joshua 24:23; Judges 2:11-13; Judges 3:7; Judges 8:33; Judges 10:6.

prepare your hearts unto the Lord Set your hearts steadfastly towards Jehovah.

serve him only For He is a jealous God, who cannot endure a rival. His command is "Thou shalt have none other gods beside Me."