Genesis 46:17

The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

Study Bible

The sons of Asher
This phrase introduces the descendants of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was born to Leah's maidservant Zilpah. Asher's name, meaning "happy" or "blessed" in Hebrew, reflects the joy and prosperity associated with his lineage. Asher's descendants were known for their abundance and fertility, as seen in the blessings pronounced over them in Genesis 49:20, where they are described as providing "rich food" and "delicacies fit for a king."

Imnah
The name Imnah, derived from the Hebrew root "aman," meaning "to be firm or faithful," suggests a character of reliability and steadfastness. In the context of Asher's lineage, Imnah represents the enduring faithfulness of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the importance of trust and faith in God's covenant.

Ishvah
Ishvah's name, though less frequently mentioned in biblical texts, carries the connotation of "equality" or "levelness." This can be seen as a reminder of the equality and unity that should exist among the tribes of Israel, despite their diverse backgrounds and roles within the nation.

Ishvi
The name Ishvi, meaning "he resembles" or "he is equal," further underscores the theme of unity and equality among the tribes. It reflects the idea that each tribe, while unique, is equally valued and integral to the fulfillment of God's plan for His people.

Beriah
Beriah's name, meaning "in trouble" or "a gift," presents a duality that is often seen in the lives of God's people. It reminds us that even in times of trouble or distress, God's gifts and blessings are present. This duality is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision, even in challenging circumstances.

and their sister Serah
The mention of Serah, Asher's daughter, is significant as she is one of the few women named in the genealogies. Her inclusion highlights the value and importance of women in God's plan. Serah's name, meaning "abundance" or "princess," reflects the richness and honor bestowed upon her, symbolizing the abundant grace and favor that God extends to all His children.

The sons of Beriah
This phrase introduces the next generation, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through the lineage of Asher. It serves as a reminder of the generational blessings and responsibilities that come with being part of God's covenant people.

Heber
The name Heber, meaning "comrade" or "association," signifies the importance of community and fellowship among God's people. It highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes and the need for unity and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes.

and Malchiel
Malchiel's name, meaning "my king is God," is a powerful declaration of faith and allegiance to God as the ultimate ruler and authority. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the tribes of Israel and the importance of recognizing His lordship in all aspects of life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asher
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants became one of the tribes of Israel. Asher's name means "happy" or "blessed" in Hebrew.

2. Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah
Sons of Asher, each representing a family line within the tribe of Asher. Their names reflect various meanings, such as "right hand" (Imnah) and "gift" (Beriah).

3. Serah
The sister of Asher's sons, notable for being one of the few women mentioned in genealogies, indicating her significance.

4. Heber and Malchiel
Sons of Beriah, grandsons of Asher, continuing the lineage of the tribe of Asher.

5. Jacob's Journey to Egypt
This event is part of the larger account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt during a famine, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and Exodus.

Teaching Points

Significance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records but also convey theological truths about God's faithfulness to His promises.

Role of Women in Scripture
Serah's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of women in God's plan, encouraging us to recognize and value the contributions of women in our faith communities.

God's Providence in Family Lines
The detailed listing of family members reminds us of God's providence and care for each individual, encouraging us to trust in His plan for our own families.

Legacy and Heritage
The passage encourages us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations and to live in a way that honors God and blesses others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the inclusion of Serah in this genealogy suggest about the role of women in biblical accounts, and how can this inform our view of gender roles in the church today?

2. How does the meaning of Asher's name ("happy" or "blessed") reflect the blessings pronounced on his tribe in later scriptures, and how can we apply this understanding of blessing to our own lives?

3. In what ways do genealogies in the Bible, such as this one, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in times of uncertainty?

4. How can the detailed recording of family lines in Genesis 46:17 inspire us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building for future generations?

5. Reflecting on the journey of Jacob's family to Egypt, what can we learn about trusting God's plan during times of transition or hardship in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 30:13
Leah names Asher, expressing her happiness, which connects to the meaning of Asher's name and the blessings associated with his lineage.

Numbers 26:44-47
The census of the Israelites in the wilderness includes the descendants of Asher, showing the growth and significance of his tribe.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses blesses the tribe of Asher, highlighting their prosperity and strength, which ties back to the blessings implied in Genesis 46:17.