Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, 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 name, meaning "happy" or "blessed," reflects Leah's joy at his birth. The tribe is noted for its prosperity and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies" (Genesis 49:20).Genealogical Background The genealogical records of the Tribe of Asher are detailed in several passages of Scripture. In the wilderness census conducted by Moses, the tribe is listed among the descendants of Jacob, with its numbers recorded as 41,500 men able to go to war (Numbers 1:40-41). By the time of the second census, the number had increased to 53,400 (Numbers 26:47). Families and Clans The families of the Tribe of Asher are delineated in the genealogical records found in the Book of Numbers. The primary clans, or families, of Asher include: 1. Imnahites: Descendants of Imnah, one of Asher's sons. 2. Ishvites: Descendants of Ishvi, another son of Asher. 3. Berites: Descendants of Beriah, yet another son of Asher. 4. Heberites: Descendants of Heber, a son of Beriah. 5. Malchielites: Descendants of Malchiel, another son of Beriah. These families are mentioned in Numbers 26:44-47, which states: "These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, the Berite clan from Beriah. From the sons of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber, the Malchielite clan from Malchiel" . Territorial Inheritance The Tribe of Asher was allocated a fertile and strategically significant portion of land in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19:24-31. This territory included the coastal region of northern Canaan, extending from Carmel to Sidon. The land was known for its rich soil and olive groves, fulfilling the blessing of prosperity pronounced by Jacob. Role in Israel's History Throughout Israel's history, the Tribe of Asher played a role in various events. During the period of the Judges, Asher was noted for its failure to fully drive out the Canaanite inhabitants of its territory (Judges 1:31-32). Despite this, the tribe participated in the collective efforts of Israel, such as the battle led by Deborah and Barak against Sisera (Judges 5:17). In the time of King David, men from Asher joined the ranks of David's mighty warriors, contributing to the unification and strength of the kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:36). The tribe's presence is also noted in the accounts of the return from Babylonian exile, as some members of Asher were among those who returned to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:1-2). Cultural and Spiritual Legacy The Tribe of Asher is remembered for its blessings of abundance and happiness, as well as its contributions to the nation of Israel. The tribe's legacy is reflected in the New Testament, where Anna, a prophetess from the tribe of Asher, is mentioned as one who recognized Jesus as the Messiah during His presentation at the Temple (Luke 2:36-38). The families of Asher, with their rich heritage and enduring legacy, continue to be a testament to the faithfulness and providence of God throughout the history of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 26:44-47Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library There was at that Time at Babylon one Nehemiah... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Chapter xxxv Chapter xxxiv "Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?" The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What is the significance of the city of Sidon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWere Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Did the geographic positioning of the tribes fulfill Jacob's blessing? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah Asher: Son of Jacob, by Zilpah: Descendants of the Tribe of Asher: Aided in Hezekiah's Reformation the Tribe of Asher: Assisted Gideon Against the Midianites the Tribe of Asher: Bordered on the Sea the Tribe of Asher: Bounds of Their Inheritance the Tribe of Asher: Descended Form Jacob's Eighth Son the Tribe of Asher: did not Fully Drive out Canaanites the Tribe of Asher: Encamped Next To, and Under the Standard of Dan, North of The the Tribe of Asher: Families of the Tribe of Asher: Offering of, at the Dedication the Tribe of Asher: Officers Place Over, by Solomon the Tribe of Asher: On Ebal, Said Amen to the Curses of the Law the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Asher: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Asher: Predictions Concerning the Tribe of Asher: Remarkable Persons of the Tribe of Asher: Reproved for not Aiding Against Sisera the Tribe of Asher: some of, at Coronation of David the Tribe of Asher: Strength of on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Asher: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Asher: The Centre of the Fourth Division of Israel in Its Journeys Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by John Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families by Moses Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Allotment To, of Land in Canaan Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Join Hezekiah Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Station of, in Camp Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Summoned by Gideon Tribe of Asher: Census of, by Families: Upbraided by Deborah Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |