Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, was born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, as recorded in Genesis 30:12-13: "When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, 'How happy I am! For the women will call me happy.' So she named him Asher." The name "Asher" means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's joy and the anticipated prosperity of his lineage.

Tribal Allotment and Blessings

The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, receiving its inheritance in the Promised Land as described in Joshua 19:24-31. The territory allotted to Asher was located in the western part of the land, along the Mediterranean coast, extending from Carmel to Sidon. This fertile region was known for its olive oil production, a fact alluded to in Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:24: "About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.'"

Jacob's blessing over Asher in Genesis 49:20 also highlights the tribe's prosperity: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." This suggests that the tribe would enjoy material abundance and play a role in providing for others, possibly through trade or agriculture.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Asher played a somewhat peripheral role compared to other tribes. During the period of the Judges, Asher failed to fully drive out the Canaanite inhabitants from their allotted territory, as noted in Judges 1:31-32. This incomplete conquest led to coexistence with the Canaanites, which may have influenced the tribe's cultural and religious practices.

Despite this, members of the tribe of Asher participated in significant events. In the time of King David, men from Asher joined David at Hebron to support his kingship, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:36. This indicates a level of loyalty and involvement in the united monarchy.

Prophetic and New Testament References

The tribe of Asher is mentioned in the prophetic context in Ezekiel 48, where it is included in the division of the land among the tribes in the future restoration of Israel. This inclusion underscores the enduring place of Asher within the covenant community.

In the New Testament, a notable descendant of Asher is Anna, a prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when He was presented at the Temple. Luke 2:36-38 describes her as "the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher." Anna's presence at this pivotal moment in salvation history highlights the continued faithfulness and spiritual significance of Asher's descendants.

Cultural and Spiritual Legacy

The tribe of Asher, though not as prominent as some of its counterparts, contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's history. Its legacy is marked by the blessings of prosperity and happiness, as well as a prophetic presence that points to the fulfillment of God's promises. The descendants of Asher, through their varied roles and contributions, reflect the diverse ways in which God's purposes are woven through the history of His people.Genesis 46:17
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:44-47
Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xlvi
... is specifically asserted that Shaul, his son, was begotten ... And the sons of Asher:
Imnah and Ishvah and ... daughter; and these she bare unto Jacob, sixteen persons ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Chapter xxxv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... sons of Zilpah, the handmaid
of Leah"Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob which were born to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... sons of Zilpah, the handmaid
of Leah"Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob which were born to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Chapter xlix
... of the Plain of Esdraelon, it yet went only two-thirds of the way to the Mediterranean
coastline, having Asher between it ... Jacob's word to this son is a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... Asher"Concerning two Faces of Vice and Virtue. ... bore him; and he was therefore called
Benjamin, "son of days ... against him with a large force; but Jacob slew him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Abilsin and Sinmuballit"until the reign of Khammurabi (the son of Sinmuballit ... country
was inhabited by three distinct peoples, whose descendants may still be ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Asher? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Asher in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

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