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 royal delicacies" (Genesis 49:20). The tribe's inheritance was located in the fertile region of the western Galilee, which contributed to their wealth and agricultural success.

Census in the Wilderness

The first census of the Tribe of Asher is recorded in the Book of Numbers, during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron to count all the men of Israel who were able to go to war, from twenty years old and upward. The census of Asher is detailed as follows:

· First Census: "The descendants of Asher, by their clans: from Imnah, the Imnite clan; from Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; from Beriah, the Beriite clan. These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 41,500" (Numbers 1:40-41).

This initial count reflects the tribe's military potential and their role within the larger community of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Second Census

A second census was conducted near the end of the Israelites' wilderness journey, as recorded in Numbers 26. This census was taken to determine the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The results for the Tribe of Asher are as follows:

· Second Census: "These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: from Imnah, the Imnite clan; from Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; from Beriah, the Beriite clan. These were the descendants of Beriah: from Heber, the Heberite clan; from Malchiel, the Malchielite clan. These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 53,400" (Numbers 26:44-47).

The increase in numbers from the first to the second census indicates a period of growth and stability for the tribe during their time in the wilderness.

Families of Asher

The families within the Tribe of Asher are identified by their patriarchal heads, reflecting the clan-based structure of Israelite society. The primary families mentioned in the censuses are:

· Imnite Clan: Descendants of Imnah
· Ishvite Clan: Descendants of Ishvi
· Beriite Clan: Descendants of Beriah
· Heberite Clan: Descendants of Heber
· Malchielite Clan: Descendants of Malchiel

These families formed the backbone of the tribe, contributing to its social and military organization. The clan structure was essential for maintaining order and distributing responsibilities among the people.

Role and Significance

The Tribe of Asher played a significant role in the history of Israel, both during the wilderness period and in the subsequent settlement of Canaan. Known for their agricultural prowess and strategic location, the Asherites contributed to the economic and military strength of the nation. Their participation in the censuses underscores their importance within the collective identity of the Israelites as they transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled life in the Promised Land.Numbers 1:40,41
Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
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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.
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1 Chronicles 7:40
All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.
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1 Chronicles 12:36
And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
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