The Asrielites are a lesser-known group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are descendants of Asriel, who is identified as a son of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph. The lineage of the Asrielites is significant in understanding the tribal divisions and inheritances among the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:17 · The first mention of Asriel is found in the list of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt. "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel."

2. Numbers 26:31 · In the census of the Israelites in the wilderness, the Asrielites are listed among the clans of Manasseh: "These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, the Asrielite clan from Asriel."

3. Joshua 17:2 · The Asrielites are again mentioned in the context of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel: "So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Asrielites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, were one of the half-tribes that received their inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. The tribe of Manasseh was divided into two groups: one settled east of the Jordan, and the other settled west. The Asrielites were part of the western half, which was allotted land in the region of Canaan.

The genealogical records in the Bible serve to establish the Asrielites' place within the broader narrative of Israel's history. As descendants of Joseph through Manasseh, the Asrielites shared in the blessings and responsibilities of the covenant people. Their inclusion in the census and land allotment underscores their role in the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land and the multiplication of their descendants.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the Asrielites, though brief, contributes to the overarching theme of God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying the descendants of Israel. Each clan and family within the tribes of Israel had a unique role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The Asrielites, like other clans, were part of the covenant community called to live in obedience to God's laws and to be a light to the nations.

The genealogies and tribal records, including those of the Asrielites, highlight the importance of heritage and identity in the biblical narrative. They remind readers of the continuity of God's promises and the interconnectedness of His people throughout history.845. Asrieli -- descendant of Asriel
... descendant of Asriel. Transliteration: Asrieli Phonetic Spelling: (as-ree-ale-ee')
Short Definition: Asrielites. ... of Asriel NASB Word Usage Asrielites (1). ...
/hebrew/845.htm - 6kAsrielites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Asrielites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:31 and of
Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the ...
/a/asrielites.htm - 6k

Asrielite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family
of the Shechemites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/asrielite.htm - 6k

As'rielites (1 Occurrence)
... Asrielites, As'rielites. Ass . ... Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the
Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; (See RSV). ...
/a/as'rielites.htm - 6k

Asriel (3 Occurrences)
... ASRIEL. as'-ri-el ('asri'-el, "Vow of God"?): A man of Manasseh (Numbers 26:31 Joshua
17:2). The form Asrielites, ie family of Asriel, occurs in Numbers 26:31. ...
/a/asriel.htm - 8k

As'riel (1 Occurrence)
... As'riel (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites;
and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; (See RSV). ...
/a/as'riel.htm - 6k

Shechemite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family
of the Shechemites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shechemite.htm - 6k

Shechemites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the
family of the Shechemites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS). ...
/s/shechemites.htm - 7k

She'chemites (1 Occurrence)
... She'chemites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites;
and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; (See RSV). ...
/s/she'chemites.htm - 6k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... NIV). Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of
Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; (See NIV). Numbers ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

Shechem (61 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Numbers 26:31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem,
the family of the Shechemites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shechem.htm - 38k

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