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 (Genesis 30:12-13). Asher's descendants settled in the western part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast, in a region known for its fertility and abundance (Deuteronomy 33:24-25). The tribe is often noted for its prosperity and the richness of its territory, which included the production of olive oil and other agricultural products.

During the period of the Judges, the Israelites faced oppression from various enemies due to their disobedience to God. One of the most significant oppressions came from the Midianites, who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, invaded Israel, devastating the land and impoverishing the Israelites (Judges 6:1-6). In response to the Israelites' cries for help, God raised up Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, to deliver them.

Gideon's call to arms against the Midianites is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Judges. After receiving confirmation from God through a series of signs, Gideon gathered an army to confront the Midianite threat. Initially, Gideon amassed a large force, but God instructed him to reduce the number of soldiers to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength (Judges 7:2-7).

The involvement of the Tribe of Asher in Gideon's campaign is noted in Judges 6:35, where it is recorded that Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, calling them to join the fight against the Midianites. The response from these tribes, including Asher, was significant, as they rallied to support Gideon in his divinely appointed mission.

The participation of Asher in this military endeavor highlights the tribe's willingness to unite with their fellow Israelites in times of national crisis. Although the tribe of Asher is not mentioned as prominently as some other tribes in the biblical narrative, their contribution to Gideon's victory over the Midianites underscores their role in the collective efforts to secure Israel's freedom from oppression.

The victory over the Midianites, achieved with a drastically reduced force of 300 men, is a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His people. The involvement of the Tribe of Asher in this victory serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and obedience to God's call, as well as the blessings that come from participating in His divine purposes.

The account of Asher's assistance to Gideon is a part of the larger narrative of the Judges, which illustrates the cyclical pattern of Israel's faithfulness and unfaithfulness, and God's enduring mercy and deliverance. The tribe's participation in this significant event is a reflection of their place within the broader account of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan.Judges 6:35
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 7:23
And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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