The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's descendants were known for their prosperity and abundance, as reflected in Jacob's blessing: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Genesis 49:20).

Census of Asher by Families

The census of the Tribe of Asher is recorded in the Book of Numbers, where Moses and Aaron conducted a census of the Israelite tribes in the wilderness. According to Numbers 1:40-41 , "From the sons of Asher, their genealogies according to their clans and families, were counted and listed by name, every male twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army. Those registered to the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500."

Later, during the second census in the plains of Moab, the number of Asherites had increased. Numbers 26:44-47 states, "These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah. These were the descendants of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber, and the Malchielite clan from Malchiel. These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 53,400."

Join Hezekiah

The historical context of the Tribe of Asher during the reign of King Hezekiah is significant. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, initiated religious reforms and sought to reunite the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah in worship of the LORD. In 2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

2 Chronicles 30:11 notes, "Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem." This indicates that despite the division and apostasy in the northern kingdom, there were individuals from the Tribe of Asher who responded to Hezekiah's call and participated in the religious revival.

The participation of Asherites in Hezekiah's Passover celebration highlights their willingness to return to the worship of the LORD and align themselves with the reforms of the Davidic king. This act of joining Hezekiah's religious reforms demonstrates a remnant of faithfulness within the tribe, despite the prevailing idolatry in the northern kingdom.

The Tribe of Asher, known for its blessings of abundance and prosperity, played a role in the spiritual renewal under Hezekiah, reflecting a commitment to the covenantal relationship with God.2 Chronicles 30:11
Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
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