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 name, meaning "happy" or "blessed," reflects the prosperity and favor that would characterize the tribe's future. Asher's descendants played a significant role in the formation of the nation of Israel, particularly during the Exodus from Egypt.

Population and Military Strength

Upon leaving Egypt, the Tribe of Asher was counted among the Israelites in the census taken at Mount Sinai. According to the Book of Numbers, the men of Asher who were able to go to war, aged twenty years and older, numbered 41,500 (Numbers 1:40-41). This figure indicates a substantial military presence, contributing to the overall strength of the Israelite forces as they journeyed through the wilderness.

The second census, taken in the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land, records a slight increase in Asher's numbers, with 53,400 men (Numbers 26:47). This growth suggests a period of relative stability and prosperity for the tribe during the wilderness wanderings.

Blessings and Prophecies

The blessings pronounced upon Asher by Jacob and Moses highlight the tribe's anticipated prosperity and strength. Jacob's blessing, recorded in Genesis 49:20, states, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies" . This prophecy alludes to the tribe's future abundance and ability to produce goods fit for royalty.

Moses' blessing, found in Deuteronomy 33:24-25, further emphasizes Asher's strength and favor: "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 blessing underscores the tribe's anticipated wealth, security, and enduring strength.

Role in the Exodus and Wilderness Journey

During the Exodus, the Tribe of Asher was positioned strategically within the camp of Israel. As part of the camp of Dan, Asher was situated on the north side, alongside the tribes of Dan and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-28). This arrangement provided a balanced distribution of military strength and resources among the tribes as they traveled.

Asher's role in the wilderness journey was marked by its contribution to the collective strength and unity of the Israelite community. The tribe's ability to maintain its numbers and grow during this challenging period is a testament to its resilience and divine favor.

Inheritance and Settlement

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Tribe of Asher was allotted a fertile territory in the northern region of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 19:24-31). This land, rich in resources and strategically located, fulfilled the blessings of prosperity and abundance pronounced upon the tribe.

Despite its favorable inheritance, the Tribe of Asher faced challenges in fully driving out the Canaanite inhabitants from its territory (Judges 1:31-32). Nevertheless, Asher's strength and resilience allowed it to establish a presence in the region, contributing to the overall stability and growth of the nation of Israel.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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... the river makes a sudden
drop on leaving the lake ... arrested, as if to gather fresh strength for its ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... or Lotanu with that of the Edomite tribe of Lotan ... sheet of water subsided from
evaporation, leaving in many ... increased, in the first place, the strength of the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... local chiefs, heroes to their own immediate tribe, well known ... Dan, why did he remain
in ships?"Asher sat still ... O my soul, march on with strength."Then did ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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