Topical Encyclopedia 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 name, meaning "happy" or "blessed," reflects the prosperity and abundance associated with the tribe. The tribe settled in the fertile region of Canaan, known for its rich olive groves and agricultural bounty.Asher Asher himself is a significant figure as the progenitor of the tribe. In Genesis 30:12-13 , Leah declares, "How happy I am! For the women will call me happy." So she named him Asher. Asher's blessing from Jacob, found in Genesis 49:20 , highlights the tribe's prosperity: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies." Serah Serah, the daughter of Asher, is a notable figure mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 46:17 and Numbers 26:46. Although little is detailed about her life, her inclusion in these records suggests her importance within the tribe. Jewish tradition often regards her as a wise woman who lived an exceptionally long life, bridging the generations from Jacob to the Exodus. Balaam's Prophecy While not a member of the tribe, Balaam's prophecy in Deuteronomy 33:24-25 is significant for Asher: "About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.'" This prophecy underscores the tribe's abundance and strength. Anna the Prophetess Anna, a devout woman from the tribe of Asher, is a remarkable New Testament figure. In Luke 2:36-38 , she is described as a prophetess who, after becoming a widow, dedicated her life to worship and prayer in the temple. Anna is one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, giving thanks to God and speaking about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Barak Barak, a military leader during the time of the Judges, is associated with the tribe of Naphtali but also has connections to Asher. In Judges 5:17 , the Song of Deborah mentions Asher's role during the battle against Sisera: "Asher remained at the seashore and stayed in his harbors." While the tribe did not actively participate in the battle, their strategic position along the coast was significant. The Tribe's Legacy The tribe of Asher, though not as prominent in biblical narratives as some other tribes, is remembered for its blessings of prosperity and its members' faithfulness. The tribe's legacy is one of abundance, strength, and spiritual insight, as exemplified by figures like Anna the Prophetess. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 7:30-40The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:36 Library The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. Chapter xlix The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah: Descendants of the Tribe of Asher: Aided in Hezekiah's Reformation the Tribe of Asher: Assisted Gideon Against the Midianites the Tribe of Asher: Bordered on the Sea the Tribe of Asher: Bounds of Their Inheritance the Tribe of Asher: Descended Form Jacob's Eighth Son the Tribe of Asher: did not Fully Drive out Canaanites the Tribe of Asher: Encamped Next To, and Under the Standard of Dan, North of The the Tribe of Asher: Families of the Tribe of Asher: Offering of, at the Dedication the Tribe of Asher: Officers Place Over, by Solomon the Tribe of Asher: On Ebal, Said Amen to the Curses of the Law the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Asher: Predictions Concerning the Tribe of Asher: Remarkable Persons of the Tribe of Asher: Reproved for not Aiding Against Sisera the Tribe of Asher: some of, at Coronation of David the Tribe of Asher: Strength of on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Asher: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Asher: The Centre of the Fourth Division of Israel in Its Journeys Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by John Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by Moses Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Allotment To, of Land in Canaan Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Join Hezekiah Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Station of, in Camp Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Summoned by Gideon Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Upbraided by Deborah Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |