Asher’s food will be rich;The tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was allotted a fertile region in the land of Canaan, which included parts of the coastal plain and the Galilee. This area was known for its agricultural abundance, particularly olive oil production, which aligns with the prophecy of rich food. The richness of Asher's food symbolizes prosperity and blessing, reflecting God's provision. In biblical symbolism, food often represents sustenance and divine favor, as seen in the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16).
he shall provide royal delicacies.
This phrase suggests that Asher's produce would be of such high quality that it would be fit for royalty. Historically, the region of Asher was known for its fertile lands, which could support the production of luxury goods. The mention of "royal delicacies" implies a role in trade and commerce, possibly supplying goods to neighboring nations or even to the royal courts of Israel and Judah. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's potential influence and contribution to the wealth of the nation. The idea of providing for royalty can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate King and provider of spiritual sustenance to His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AsherAsher is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants became one of the tribes of Israel. His name means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting the prosperity and abundance associated with his tribe.
2.
JacobThe patriarch who is blessing his sons in
Genesis 49. Jacob's blessings are prophetic, speaking to the future of each tribe that will descend from his sons.
3.
Tribe of AsherKnown for its fertile land and abundance, the tribe of Asher settled in a region that was rich in resources, contributing to the prosperity mentioned in Jacob's blessing.
4.
Royal DelicaciesThis phrase suggests the provision of high-quality food, indicating that Asher's land would be so fruitful that it could supply even the needs of royalty.
5.
CanaanThe land where the tribes of Israel settled, including the region allotted to the tribe of Asher, known for its agricultural richness.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and AbundanceGod's blessings often manifest in tangible ways, such as material abundance and prosperity. Asher's blessing reminds us of God's ability to provide for our needs.
Stewardship of ResourcesWith abundance comes responsibility. The tribe of Asher was blessed with fertile land, and we are called to be good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us.
Blessings for OthersAsher's provision of "royal delicacies" suggests that our blessings are not just for personal gain but to serve and bless others, including those in positions of leadership.
Contentment and GratitudeRecognizing God's provision should lead to contentment and gratitude, acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him.
Prophetic FulfillmentJacob's blessing over Asher is a reminder of the prophetic nature of God's word, which is fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 49:20?
2.How does Genesis 49:20 illustrate God's provision through Asher's blessings?
3.What can we learn about God's abundance from Asher's "rich food"?
4.How does Asher's blessing connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 33:24?
5.How can we apply Asher's blessing to our daily gratitude for God's provision?
6.In what ways can we share God's abundance, as seen in Genesis 49:20?
7.What is the significance of Asher's blessing in Genesis 49:20 for Israel's future prosperity?
8.How does Genesis 49:20 reflect the agricultural practices of ancient Israel?
9.Why is Asher's blessing in Genesis 49:20 focused on food and delicacies?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49?
11.What is the significance of the Tribe of Asher?
12.What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?
13.What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?
14.Who are the Sons of Jacob?What Does Genesis 49:20 Mean
Setting inGenesis 49Jacob gathers his sons and foretells their futures (Genesis 49:1). In the mix of these prophetic blessings comes one for Asher, nestled between Naphtali and Joseph, signaling both family unity and distinct destiny. Similar blessings appear later through Moses inDeuteronomy 33:24–25, confirming that what Jacob predicts, God later affirms.
“Asher’s food will be rich”• Asher’s allotted territory reaches the fertile Mediterranean coast (Joshua 19:24-31), well-suited for agriculture, vineyards, and olive groves.
• Centuries later Solomon’s court counts on coastal regions for high-quality provisions (1 Kings 5:11). This echoes Jacob’s image of abundance.
• The phrase promises more than survival; it speaks of overflow like the “land of wheat and barley… a land where you will lack nothing” (Deuteronomy 8:7-9). God repeatedly shows that His blessing brings tangible plenty to His people (Psalm 65:9-13).
“He shall provide royal delicacies”• The tribe’s produce would be so exceptional that kings would desire it—“royal” in quality and clientele. Think of Solomon hosting foreign dignitaries with “every day’s portion” of fine foods (1 Kings 10:5,2 Chronicles 9:4).
• Isaiah uses similar imagery for God’s future feast: “The LORD of Hosts will prepare a banquet of aged wine and choice meat” (Isaiah 25:6), illustrating how earthly abundance can prefigure heavenly celebration.
• Asher’s legacy becomes one of generosity: from their region “men of valor” support David’s kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:36), supplying not just warriors but resources.
Application for Israel• The blessing motivates faithful stewardship: Asher must cultivate the land diligently, mirroringProverbs 28:19—“He who works his land will have plenty of food.”
• It reminds all tribes that each receives a different but complementary gift. Judah provides kingship, Levi priesthood, Issachar wisdom, and Asher delicacies—together forming a whole nation (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reflects the same principle for the church).
Application for Believers Today• God still equips His people with varied resources to serve others. Generosity with material blessings testifies to the King we serve (2 Corinthians 9:11).
• Rich fare foreshadows the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Sharing good food and hospitality now can point friends to that ultimate feast (Luke 14:15-23).
• Wherever God places you—field, kitchen, boardroom—He expects excellence that honors Him and blesses authorities and neighbors alike (Colossians 3:23-24).
summaryJacob’s brief word over Asher paints a vivid picture: a tribe planted in fertile soil, harvesting produce so sumptuous that even royalty seeks it. The prophecy proved literal for ancient Israel and remains instructive for us. God delights to supply His people abundantly, not for hoarding but for service. As Asher’s harvest fed kings, so our gifts—material and spiritual—should point others to the King of kings and the coming feast He has prepared.
(20)
Asher.--The territory of this tribe, extending along the coast from Mount Carmel to Lebanon, was very productive. Zebulun, the trading tribe, could reach the sea only through their possessions.
Verse 20. -
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties - literally, dainties
of, or for, the king. The first clause may be otherwise rendered: Of Asher the bread shall be fat (Kalisch); fat shall be his bread (Murphy); Out of Asher (cometh) fat his bread (Keil). The import of the blessing is that Asher should possess a specially productive soil
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Asher’sמֵאָשֵׁ֖ר(mê·’ā·šêr)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 836:Asher -- 'happy one', a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, also perhaps a city in Palestinefoodלַחְמ֑וֹ(laḥ·mōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grainwill be rich;שְׁמֵנָ֣ה(šə·mê·nāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8082:Greasy, gross, richheוְה֥וּא(wə·hū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areshall provideיִתֵּ֖ן(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setroyalמֶֽלֶךְ׃(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingdelicacies.מַֽעֲדַנֵּי־(ma·‘ă·ḏan·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4574:A dainty (food), delight
Links
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Genesis 49:20 BibleApps.comGenesis 49:20 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 49:20 Chinese BibleGenesis 49:20 French BibleGenesis 49:20 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 49:20 Asher's food will be rich (Gen. Ge Gn) 
