Proverbs 7,6–27: Vignettes from the cycle of Astarte and Adonis

Abstract

Abstract In this passage scholarly attention has been given almost exclusively to the woman. Since Bostrom identified her as a devotee of Astarte, debate has ranged among those who accept, reject or modify this proposal. While affirming the mythological and cultic sources for the woman and her affection, this article concentrates on the potrait of the young man which emerges. This is depicted in four scenes — the street, the bed‐chamber, the hunt and, finally, the underworld from which there is no escape. These four scenes, supported by textual and iconographic evidence, are derived from stages in the mythological cycle of the Phoenician god, Adonis, Melqart or Eshmun, in his relationship with the goddess. This mythology is used to convey a terrible warning to those who follow the alien Astarte rather than Israelite divine wisdom. They will share the fate of Adonis, but only in part, for unlike him they will not return from the underworld.