Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Asher is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The name "Asher" means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's joy at his birth. Asher's descendants became one of the tribes of Israel, known for their prosperity and abundance.
Biblical References:Asher is first mentioned in
Genesis 30:12-13: "When Leah’s maidservant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, 'How happy I am! For the women will call me happy.' So she named him Asher." This passage highlights the joy and blessing associated with Asher's birth.
In
Genesis 49:20, Jacob's blessing over Asher is recorded: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies." This blessing foretells the tribe's future prosperity and abundance, particularly in agricultural produce.
Moses also blessed the tribe of Asher in
Deuteronomy 33:24-25: "About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.'" This blessing emphasizes Asher's favored status and strength.
Territory and Settlement:The tribe of Asher was allocated a portion of land in the northern part of Canaan, as described in
Joshua 19:24-31. The territory included fertile plains and coastal regions, which contributed to the tribe's wealth and prosperity. The land extended from Carmel in the south to Lebanon in the north, encompassing key cities such as Acco (Acre), Sidon, and Tyre.
Role in Israel's History:Asher's role in Israel's history is somewhat understated compared to other tribes. During the period of the Judges, the tribe did not fully drive out the Canaanites from their territory, as noted in
Judges 1:31-32: "Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco or Sidon or Ahlab or Achzib or Helbah or Aphek or Rehob. So the Asherites lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out."
Despite this, Asher participated in significant events, such as the battle against Sisera led by Deborah and Barak, as mentioned in
Judges 5:17: "Asher remained at the seashore and stayed in his harbors." This indicates a reluctance to engage in battle, possibly due to their coastal lifestyle and trade interests.
Cultural and Economic Contributions:The tribe of Asher was known for its agricultural abundance, particularly olive oil production, as suggested by Moses' blessing. The phrase "let him dip his foot in oil" (
Deuteronomy 33:24) is often interpreted as a reference to the region's rich olive groves. This abundance allowed Asher to contribute to the economic stability of Israel, providing essential goods and trade.
Prophetic and Eschatological Significance:In the New Testament, Asher is mentioned in the context of the prophetess Anna, who was from the tribe of Asher.
Luke 2:36-38 describes her as a devout woman who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when He was presented at the Temple. This connection highlights the enduring presence and faithfulness of Asher's descendants.
In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the tribe of Asher is included among the 144,000 sealed servants of God (
Revelation 7:6), signifying its continued place in God's redemptive plan.
Conclusion:The tribe of Asher, though not as prominent as some other tribes, played a vital role in the history and economy of ancient Israel. Its legacy of prosperity, as well as its inclusion in prophetic visions, underscores the enduring significance of Asher in the biblical narrative.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Asherhappiness
Smith's Bible Dictionary
AsherApocrypha and New Testament,A'ser (blessed), the eighth son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. (Genesis 30:13) (B.C. 1753.) The general position of his tribe was on the seashore from Carmel northward with Manasseh on the south, Zebulun and Issachar on the southeast, and Naphtali on the north-east. (Joshua 19:24-31;17:10,11) and Judg 1:31,32 They possessed the maritime portion of the rich plain of Esdraelon;, probably for a distance of 8 or 10 miles from the shore. This territory contained some of the richest soil in all Palestine.
ATS Bible Dictionary
AsherThe eighth son of Jacob and second of Zilpah,Genesis 30:13 35:26. On entering Canaan his tribe was the fifth in order, numbering fifty-three thousand four hundred. The portion of Asher lay along the seaboard, having Levanon and Zidon on the north, Carmel and the tribe of Issachar on the south, and Zebulun and Naphtali on the east. It was fruitful in grain, wine, oil, and minerals,Genesis 49:20 De 33:24,25. How much of the Phoenician coast was included is uncertain,Joshua 19:25,28; but the Asherites were unable to expel the Canaanites, and dwelt in part among them,Jude 1:31,32. They are honorably mentioned in the history of David,1 Chronicles 12:36, and of Hezekiah,2 Chronicles 30:11.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Happy, Jacob's eigth son; his mother was Zilpah, Leah's handmaid (
Genesis 30:13). Of the tribe founded by him nothing is recorded beyond its holding a place in the list of the tribes (
35:26;
46:17;
Exodus 1:4, etc.) It increased in numbers twenty-nine percent, during the thirty-eight years' wanderings. The place of this tribe during the march through the desert was between Dan and Naphtali (
Numbers 2:27). The boundaries of the inheritance given to it, which contained some of the richest soil in Palestine, and the names of its towns, are recorded in
Joshua 19:24-31;
Judges 1:31, 32. Asher and Simeon were the only tribes west of the Jordan which furnished no hero or judge for the nation. Anna the prophetess was of this tribe (
Luke 2:36).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ASHER (1)ash'-er ('asher; Aser).
1. Biblical Account:
According to the Biblical account Asher was the eighth of Jacob's sons, the second borne to him by Zilpah the handmaid of Leah. His uterine brother was Gad (Genesis 35:26). With four sons and one daughter he went down into Egypt (Genesis 46:17). At his birth Leah exclaimed, "Happy am I! for the daughters will call me happy: and she called his name Asher," i.e. Happy (Genesis 30:13). This foreshadowing of good fortune for him is repeated in the blessing of Jacob: "His bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties" (Genesis 49:20); and again in that of Moses: "Blessed be Asher with children; let him be acceptable unto his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24). His family prospered in Egypt, and at the Exodus the tribe of Asher is numbered at 41,500 adult males (Numbers 1:41). At the second census the number is given 53,400 (Numbers 26:47). The place of Asher in the desert march was with the standard of the camp of Dan, on the north of the tabernacle, along with Dan and Naphtali; the prince of the tribe being Pagiel the son of Ochran (Numbers 2:27). Among the spies Asher was represented by Sethur (Numbers 13:13). The tribe seems to have taken no important part in the subsequent history. It raised no hero, and gave no deliverer to the nation. In the time of David it was of so little consequence that the name is not found in the list of chief rulers (1 Chronicles 27:16). The rich land assigned to Asher sloped to the Phoenician seaboard, and brought him into touch with the Phoenicians who were already world-famous in trade and commerce. He probably soon became a partner in their profitable enterprises, and lost any desire he may ever have had to eject them from their cities (Judges 1:31). He cared not who ruled over him if he were free to pursue the ends of commerce. Zebulun might jeopard their lives unto the death, and Naphtali upon the high places of the field, to break the power of the foreign oppressor, but Asher "sat still at the haven of the sea, and abode by his creeks" (Judges 5:17). He was probably soon largely absorbed by the people with whose interests his were so closely identified: nevertheless "divers of Asher," moved by the appeal of Hezekiah, "humbled themselves, and came to Jerus" (2 Chronicles 30:11 the King James Version). To this tribe belonged the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36).
2. Modern Theory:
According to a modern theory, the mention of the slave girl Zilpah as the mother of Asher is meant to indicate that the tribe was of mixed blood, and arose through the mingling of Israelites with the Canaanites. It is suggested that the name may have been taken from that of the Canaanite clan found in the Tell el-Amarna Letters, Mari abd-Ashirti, "sons of the servant of Asherah." A similar name occurs in the inscriptions of the Egyptian Seti I (14th century B.C.), `Aseru, a state in western Galilee (W. Max Muller, As. und Eur., 236-39). This people it is thought may have associated themselves with the invaders from the wilderness. But while the speculations are interesting, it is impossible to establish any relationship between these ancient tribes and Asher.
3. Territory of Asher:
The boundaries of the territory are given in considerable detail inJoshua 19:25 (compareJudges 1:31;Joshua 17:10). Only a few of the places named can be identified with certainty. Dor, the modern Tan-Turah, although occupied by Manasseh belonged to Asher. Wady ez-Zerqa, possibly identical with Shihor-libnath, which enters the sea to the South of Dor, would form the southern boundary. The lot of Asher formed a strip of land from 8 to 10 miles wide running northward along the shore to the neighborhood of Sidon, touching Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali on the East Asher seems to have taken possession of the territory by a process of peaceful penetration, not by conquest, and as we have seen, he never drove out the Phoenicians from their cities. The rich plain of Acre, and the fertile fiats between the mountain and the sea near Tyre and Sidon therefore remained in Phoenician hands. But the valleys breaking down westward and opening on the plains have always yielded fine crops of grain. Remains of an ancient oak forest still stand to the North of Carmel. The vine, the fig, the lemon and the orange flourish. Olive trees abound, and the supplies of olive oil which to this day are exported from the district recall the word of the old-time blessing, "Let him dip his foot in oil."
W. Ewing
ASHER (2)
ash'-er ('asher):
(1) See preceding article.
(2) A town on the southern border of Manasseh (Joshua 17:7). The site is unknown.
(3) A place of this name is mentioned in Apocrypha (Tobit 1:2), identified with Hazor, in Naphtali. SeeHAZOR.
Greek
768. Aser --Asher, one of the twelve Isr. tribes... Aser. 769 .
Asher, one of the twelve Isr.
... Word Origin of Hebrew origin
Asher Definition
Asher, one of the twelve Isr. tribes NASB Word Usage
Asher (2). Aser.
...Strong's Hebrew
836.Asher -- "happy one," a son of Jacob, also the tribe...... 835, 836.
Asher. 837 . "happy one
... Palestine. Transliteration:
Asher Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-share') Short Definition:
Asher. Word
...834.asher -- who, which, that
... 833, 834.asher. 835 . who, which, that. Transliteration:asher Phonetic Spelling:
(ash-er') Short Definition: which.... 833, 834.asher. 835 . Strong's Numbers
843. Asheri -- descendant ofAsher
... Asheri. 844 . descendant ofAsher. Transliteration: Asheri Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-shay-ree') Short Definition: Asherites. Word Origin fromAsher Definition desc...
2462. Chelbah -- a city inAsher
... 2461, 2462. Chelbah. 2463 . a city inAsher. Transliteration: Chelbah Phonetic
Spelling: (khel-baw') Short Definition: Helbah. Word Origin fem....
2621. Chosah -- a Levite, also a place inAsher
... 2620, 2621. Chosah. 2622 . a Levite, also a place inAsher. Transliteration:
Chosah Phonetic Spelling: (kho-saw') Short Definition: Hosah....
1275. Beri -- a descendant ofAsher
... Beri. 1276 . a descendant ofAsher. Transliteration: Beri Phonetic Spelling:
(bay-ree') Short Definition: Beri.... ofAsher NASB Word Usage Beri (1). Beri....
4913. Mashal -- a place inAsher
... 4912, 4913. Mashal. 4914 . a place inAsher. Transliteration: Mashal Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-shawl') Short Definition: Mashal. Word...
6008. Amad -- a place inAsher
... 6007, 6008. Amad. 6009 . a place inAsher. Transliteration: Amad Phonetic
Spelling: (am-awd') Short Definition: Amad. Word Origin...
2540. Chammon -- "hot (spring)," two cities, one inAsher and one...
... Chammon. 2541 . "hot (spring)," two cities, one inAsher and one in Naphtali.
Transliteration: Chammon Phonetic Spelling: (kham-mone') Short Definition: Hammon...
3160. Yechubbah -- a descendant ofAsher
... a descendant ofAsher. Transliteration: Yechubbah Phonetic Spelling: (yekh-oob-baw')
Short Definition: Jehubbah.... ofAsher NASB Word Usage Jehubbah (1). Jehubbah....
Library
The Testament ofAsher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. X."The Testament ofAsher Concerning
Two Faces of Vice and Virtue. 1. The record of the...
Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... "And ofAsher he said, LetAsher be blessed with children; let him be
acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil....
The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee.
... country of Samaria contained only two tribes, and those of the brethren, Ephraim
and Manasses: Galilee four, Issachar, Zebulun, Nephthalim, andAsher, and a...
Shod for the Road
... The portion ofAsher, in whose blessing the words of our text occurs, was partly
the rocky northern coast and partly the fertile lands stretching to the base...
Chapter xxx
... And Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, bore Jacob a second son and Leah said: Good fortune,
for daughters shall call me fortunate"and she called his nameAsher (Fortune...
Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... In both lists places Gad third, andAsher eleventh; whereas according to Gad is
ninth in the first of the two lists, and sixth in the second, and in the second...
Israel in Canaan.
... seas, with only Simeon beyond them; then came, north of Manasseh, the fine pasture
lands of Issachar and Zebulon, and a small border forAsher between Libanus...
In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... circuit," being derived from a verb meaning "to move in a circle""covered the ancient
possession of four tribes: Issachar, Zebulon, Naphtali, andAsher....
Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... xxxiv.22], the daughter of Phanuel [the same as Peniel, meaning "Face of God""Genesis
32:30], of the tribe ofAsher [Asher was the second son of Jacob and...
Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the...
... With this oilAsher washed his feet as it is written: "A blessed son isAsher, and
he shall be acceptable to his brothers, and shall dip his feet in oil." [3602...
Thesaurus
Asher (43 Occurrences)...Asher and Simeon were the only tribes west of the Jordan which furnished no hero
or judge for the nation.
...ASHER (1). ash'-er ('
asher; Aser).
...Asher's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceAsher's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:20 "Asher's food
will be rich. He will yield royal dainties. (WEB BBE RSV NIV)....
Pagiel (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary God allots, a prince of the tribe ofAsher (Numbers
1:13), in the wilderness. Int.... Numbers 1:13 OfAsher: Pagiel the son of Ochran....
Ochran (5 Occurrences)
... ok'-ran (`okhran, from `akhar, "trouble"; the King James Version Ocran): The father
of Pagiel, the prince of the tribe ofAsher (Numbers 1:13; Numbers 2:27...
Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Exodus 1:4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad andAsher.... And he sent messengers to
Asher, Zeb'ulun, and Naph'tali; and they went up to meet them. (DBY RSV)....
Ocran (5 Occurrences)
... OCRAN. ok'-ran. See OCHRAN. Multi-Version Concordance Ocran (5 Occurrences). Numbers
1:13 OfAsher; Pagiel the son of Ocran. (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV)....
Rehob (12 Occurrences)
... (4.) A town ofAsher (Joshua 19:28), to the east of Zidon. (5.) Another town of
Asher (Joshua 19:30), kept possession of by the Canaanites (Judges 1:31). Int....
Pa'giel (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 1:13 OfAsher: Pagiel the son of Ochran. (See RSV).... Numbers 7:72 On the eleventh
day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children ofAsher (See RSV)....
Beriah (10 Occurrences)
... (1.) One ofAsher's four sons, and father of Heber (Genesis 46:17).... Genesis 46:17
The sons ofAsher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister....
Serah (5 Occurrences)
... Abundance; princess, the daughter ofAsher and grand-daughter of Jacob (Genesis
46:17); called also Sarah (Numbers 26:46; RV, "Serah"). Int....
Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Asher? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Asher in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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