an oracle-grove of Astarte;1 this was probably near his favourite palace at Jezreel. At these sanctuaries the king of Israel offered sacrifices himself. His practice was certainly adopted by many in deference to the royal example. To others, the novelty and the sensual charm of the foreign religion proved the more attractive, the greater the prosperity they witnessed in the heathen states; and the king certainly thought trade and commerce increased when all restraints upon religion were removed.