The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, 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 inheritance in the Promised Land.

Inheritance and Territory

Upon entering Canaan, the land was divided among the tribes by lot, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua. The territory allotted to Asher was located in the western part of the land, along the Mediterranean coast, stretching from Carmel to Sidon (Joshua 19:24-31). This fertile region was known for its rich soil and abundant resources, including olive oil, which became a significant product of the tribe. The blessing of Moses upon Asher highlights this abundance: "May Asher be most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24).

Military Strength and Challenges

The tribe of Asher, like the other tribes, was expected to contribute to the military efforts necessary to conquer and settle the land. However, the biblical record suggests that Asher faced challenges in fully driving out the Canaanite inhabitants from their allotted territory. Judges 1:31-32 notes, "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" . This coexistence with the Canaanites may have diluted the tribe's distinctiveness and commitment to the covenantal laws.

Role in Israel's History

Despite these challenges, the tribe of Asher played a role in the collective identity and history of Israel. During the time of the judges, Asher participated in the battle against Sisera, as recounted in the Song of Deborah: "Asher remained at the seashore and stayed in his harbors" (Judges 5:17). This verse, while highlighting Asher's reluctance, also underscores the tribe's strategic coastal position.

In the time of King David, Asher's territory was known for its provision of resources, contributing to the wealth and stability of the united monarchy. The tribe's location and resources made it an integral part of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

The tribe of Asher is also mentioned in the prophetic and eschatological contexts. In Ezekiel's vision of the restored land, Asher is allotted a portion in the new division of the land (Ezekiel 48:2). Furthermore, in the New Testament, Asher is included among the tribes sealed in the vision of the 144,000 in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:6).

Legacy

The legacy of the tribe of Asher is one of blessing and abundance, as well as the challenges of maintaining faithfulness amidst prosperity. The tribe's account serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential pitfalls of complacency in the face of material wealth.Numbers 26:47
These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Lotanu with that of the Edomite tribe of Lotan ... blocks of masonry, forming a re-entering
face, considerably ... 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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