Topical Encyclopedia Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing one of the tribes of Israel. He was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. The name "Asher" means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's sentiment upon his birth: "Then Leah said, 'How happy I am! For the women will call me happy.' So she named him Asher" (Genesis 30:13).Tribal Inheritance and Blessings The tribe of Asher was allocated a portion of land in the Promised Land, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. Their territory 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 rich soil and abundant olive groves, which contributed to the tribe's prosperity. The blessing of Moses upon Asher highlights this abundance: "May Asher be most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24). Jacob's blessing over Asher also emphasized prosperity and abundance: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies" (Genesis 49:20). This prophecy underscores the tribe's role in providing sustenance and luxury, possibly indicating their involvement in trade and agriculture. Role in Israel's History Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Asher played a role in various military and political events. During the period of the Judges, Asher was one of the tribes that 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 had implications for the tribe's religious and cultural practices. Despite this, members of the tribe of Asher participated in significant military campaigns. For instance, they joined Deborah and Barak in the battle against Sisera, as mentioned in Judges 5:17. However, the tribe's commitment was sometimes questioned, as they were noted for their absence in other critical battles, reflecting a degree of isolation or reluctance to engage in broader tribal conflicts. Asher in the New Testament The tribe of Asher is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the prophetess Anna, who was from the tribe of Asher. Anna is described as a devout woman who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when He was presented at the Temple: "There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher" (Luke 2:36). Her presence in the New Testament narrative highlights the enduring legacy of the tribe and its connection to the unfolding account of redemption. Symbolism and Legacy Asher's legacy is often associated with themes of happiness, abundance, and divine blessing. The tribe's geographical location and agricultural wealth symbolize God's provision and favor. Asher's account serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from obedience and the potential consequences of incomplete faithfulness. The tribe's mixed record in Israel's history reflects the broader challenges faced by the nation in maintaining covenant faithfulness amidst external influences. In summary, Asher's role in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, encompassing themes of blessing, prosperity, and the complexities of tribal identity within the larger context of Israel's history. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 30:13And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:26 Genesis 49:20 Exodus 1:4 1 Chronicles 2:2 Library Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Chapter xxx Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac Chapter xxxvii Chapter xxxv Chapter xlvi Chapter xxxiv Chapter xlix Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Resources What is the significance of the city of Sidon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWere Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Did the geographic positioning of the tribes fulfill Jacob's blessing? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah: Descendants of the Tribe of Asher: Aided in Hezekiah's Reformation the Tribe of Asher: Assisted Gideon Against the Midianites the Tribe of Asher: Bordered on the Sea the Tribe of Asher: Bounds of Their Inheritance the Tribe of Asher: Descended Form Jacob's Eighth Son the Tribe of Asher: did not Fully Drive out Canaanites the Tribe of Asher: Encamped Next To, and Under the Standard of Dan, North of The the Tribe of Asher: Families of the Tribe of Asher: Offering of, at the Dedication the Tribe of Asher: Officers Place Over, by Solomon the Tribe of Asher: On Ebal, Said Amen to the Curses of the Law the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Asher: Predictions Concerning the Tribe of Asher: Remarkable Persons of the Tribe of Asher: Reproved for not Aiding Against Sisera the Tribe of Asher: some of, at Coronation of David the Tribe of Asher: Strength of on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Asher: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Asher: The Centre of the Fourth Division of Israel in Its Journeys Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by John Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by Moses Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Allotment To, of Land in Canaan Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Join Hezekiah Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Station of, in Camp Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Summoned by Gideon Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Upbraided by Deborah Related Terms |
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