The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is named after 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, which details the organization and enumeration of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The first census, conducted in the second year after the Exodus, lists the men of Asher who were twenty years old and upward, able to go to war. The total number of men counted from the Tribe of Asher was 41,500 (Numbers 1:40-41).

A second census, taken near the end of the wilderness period, shows an increase in the tribe's numbers. At this time, the men of Asher numbered 53,400 (Numbers 26:44-47). This growth reflects the tribe's strength and vitality as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

The families within the Tribe of Asher are also enumerated in the second census. These families include the Imnites, the Ishvites, the Beriites, and the Heberites, each named after Asher's sons and grandsons. The Beriites are further divided into the families of Heber and Malchiel (Numbers 26:44-45).

Station of Asher in Camp

During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, the tribes were organized into a specific camp formation around the Tabernacle, which served as the center of worship and the presence of God among His people. The Tribe of Asher was positioned as part of the camp of Dan, which was located on the north side of the Tabernacle (Numbers 2:25-27).

The camp of Dan, which included the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, was the rear guard during the Israelites' marches. This strategic positioning highlights the role of Asher and its neighboring tribes in providing protection and support for the community as they traveled.

The organization of the camp and the census of the tribes underscore the order and structure that God established for His people. The Tribe of Asher, with its growing numbers and strategic placement, played a vital role in the life and journey of the Israelites as they moved toward the fulfillment of God's promises.Numbers 2:25,27
The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Nave's Topical Index

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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