The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was named after Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's name, meaning "happy" or "blessed," reflects the prosperity and abundance associated with the tribe's inheritance. The boundaries of Asher's territory were established during the division of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, as recorded in the Book of Joshua.

Geographical Boundaries

The inheritance of the Tribe of Asher is detailed in Joshua 19:24-31. The territory allotted to Asher was located in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its fertile land and rich resources, contributing to the tribe's prosperity.

The boundaries of Asher's inheritance began at Helkath, extending to Hali, Beten, and Achshaph. The territory continued to Alammelech, Amad, and Mishal, reaching Carmel on the west and Shihor-libnath. The border then turned eastward to Beth-dagon, touching Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and extended northward to Beth-emek and Neiel. It continued to Cabul on the left, Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. The boundary then turned toward Ramah and the fortified city of Tyre, before turning to Hosah and ending at the sea in the region of Achzib. The territory also included Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob.

Significant Cities and Features

The territory of Asher included several significant cities and features. Carmel, a prominent mountain range, was part of Asher's western boundary. The region was known for its olive oil production, as indicated in Deuteronomy 33:24, where Moses blessed Asher, saying, "May he dip his foot in oil." This blessing highlights the agricultural richness of the land.

The cities of Tyre and Sidon, although not fully controlled by Asher, were significant Phoenician cities within the region. These cities were known for their trade and commerce, which likely influenced the economic activities of the tribe.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Tribe of Asher, like other tribes, faced challenges in fully possessing their inheritance due to the presence of Canaanite inhabitants. Judges 1:31-32 notes that Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of several cities, leading to coexistence with the Canaanites. This coexistence sometimes led to cultural and religious influences that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Despite these challenges, the tribe's location along the coast provided opportunities for trade and interaction with neighboring peoples. The abundance of resources and strategic location contributed to Asher's reputation for prosperity and blessing.

Biblical References

· Joshua 19:24-31 : "The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher: Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, Alammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath, then turned eastward to Beth-dagon, touching Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, then continued to Cabul, Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. The boundary then turned toward Ramah and the fortified city of Tyre, then turned to Hosah and ended at the sea in the region of Achzib. It also included Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities, along with their villages."

· Deuteronomy 33:24 : "Concerning Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.'"

· Judges 1:31-32 : "Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco or Sidon or Ahlab or Achzib or Helbah or Aphik or Rehob. So the Asherites lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out."

The Tribe of Asher's inheritance, marked by its fertile land and strategic coastal location, played a significant role in the tribe's identity and history within the nation of Israel.Joshua 19:24-31
And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The lot given to each tribe is described ... and her handmaid received as their inheritance
the regions ... the less important tribes, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Ilumailu, having abandoned his patrimonial inheritance, came to ... surface of the earth,
their number corresponding ... Each nation, each tribe, each city, worshipped ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... Egypt preferred not to
meddle in their affairs. ... remembrance of it kept them within bounds for years ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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