Topical Bible: Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by John

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is a significant group within the biblical narrative, known for its rich heritage and blessings. The tribe traces its lineage to Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:12-13). 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).

Census in the Wilderness

The first census of the Tribe of Asher is recorded in the Book of Numbers, during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron to count all the men of Israel who were able to go to war, from twenty years old and upward (Numbers 1:2-3). The census of Asher's descendants is detailed in Numbers 1:40-41: "From the sons of Asher: their genealogies according to their clans and families, and the number of names from twenty years old and upward, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500" .

Second Census

A second census was conducted near the end of the Israelites' wilderness journey, as recorded in Numbers 26. This census was necessary to prepare for the division of the Promised Land among the tribes. The descendants of Asher were again counted, and the results are found in Numbers 26:44-47: "These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah. These were the descendants of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber, and the Malchielite clan from Malchiel. These were the clans of Asher, and their registration numbered 53,400" .

Families and Clans

The census records highlight the families and clans within the Tribe of Asher. The primary families mentioned are those of Imnah, Ishvi, and Beriah, with further subdivisions into the Heberite and Malchielite clans. These families played a crucial role in maintaining the tribe's identity and heritage throughout Israel's history.

Significance

The increase in numbers from the first to the second census—from 41,500 to 53,400—demonstrates the tribe's growth and God's blessing upon them. The Tribe of Asher was strategically located in the northern part of the Promised Land, an area known for its fertile land and abundant resources, fulfilling the prophetic blessings given to Asher by Jacob and Moses (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).

The censuses of the Tribe of Asher, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, provide valuable insights into the organization, growth, and familial structure of this tribe, reflecting God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Jacob.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 7:6
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Nave's Topical Index