Jer 17:2 | TNotes | STEP | 17:2 Asherah poles were cut from trees and erected near altars dedicated to Baal, the Canaanite storm god. Asherah was the Canaanite goddess who symbolized the fertility of moist ground that could produce crops. Ritual sex was performed near these altars to cause rain to fall, seeds to sprout, and plants to grow. A tree growing near an altar could also represent this fertility goddess. The people of Judah were so depraved that parents encouraged their children to join them in these rituals.

‏ Jeremiah 17:2

17:2 ^a Asherah poles were cut from trees and erected near altars dedicated to Baal, the Canaanite storm god. Asherah was the Canaanite goddess who symbolized the fertility of moist ground that could produce crops. Ritual sex was performed near these altars to cause rain to fall, seeds to sprout, and plants to grow. A tree growing near an altar could also represent this fertility goddess. The people of Judah were so depraved that parents encouraged their children to join them in these rituals.