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. Asher's descendants were known for their prosperity and abundance, as reflected in Jacob's blessing: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Genesis 49:20). The tribe settled in the fertile region along the Mediterranean coast, north of Mount Carmel, an area known for its olive oil production and agricultural wealth.

Census of the Tribe of Asher

The census of the Tribe of Asher, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, provides insight into the size and structure of the tribe during the wilderness period. In the first census, taken at Mount Sinai, the number of men aged twenty and older who were able to go to war was recorded as 41,500 (Numbers 1:40-41). By the time of the second census, conducted on the plains of Moab, the number had increased to 53,400 (Numbers 26:47). This growth reflects the tribe's resilience and God's blessing upon them during their journey to the Promised Land.

The census was organized by families, highlighting the importance of familial lineage and inheritance within the tribe. The families of Asher included the Imnites, Ishvites, Beriites, and Heberites, each named after Asher's sons and grandsons (Numbers 26:44-45). These family divisions played a crucial role in the allocation of land and resources once the Israelites entered Canaan.

Summoned by Gideon

During the period of the Judges, the Tribe of Asher was called upon by Gideon to join the fight against the Midianites. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been oppressing Israel, devastating their crops and livestock. In response to Israel's cries for help, God raised up Gideon as a deliverer.

Gideon, after receiving confirmation of God's call, summoned several tribes to join him in battle. Judges 6:35 states, "He sent messengers throughout Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them." The inclusion of Asher in this call to arms indicates their strategic importance and willingness to participate in the collective defense of Israel.

Despite their initial response, the tribe's involvement in the battle against the Midianites is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative. However, their participation in Gideon's campaign underscores their role in the broader coalition of Israelite tribes working together to secure peace and stability in the land.

The Tribe of Asher's history, as recorded in the Scriptures, reflects a legacy of growth, prosperity, and participation in the communal life and struggles of the nation of Israel. Their account is interwoven with themes of divine blessing, familial heritage, and the collective efforts of the tribes to fulfill God's promises to His people.Judges 6:35
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
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Judges 7:23
And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
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