What Does The Bible Tell Us About Asher
Asher isn’t the most famous or the most notorious of Joseph’s brothers, but he plays an important part in the founding of Israel.
- Jenna Brooke CarlsonContributing Writer
While the Bible doesnt contain a great amount of information about Asher as a person, there is a lot written about his family. In a contest to see who could give Jacob more heirs, Asher was the second son born to Jacob from Leahs servant, Zilpah. Thrilled with his arrival, Leah named the child Asher, meaning happiness.
Jacob and the story of his sons, including Asher, have a grand story weaved through the book of Genesis. Joseph is arguably the most famous of the brothers. His story, including prophetic dreams and the jealousy of his brothers, meshes into a great story of Gods redemption and forgiveness.
Where Does The Bible Mention Asher
Moses mentioned Asher before his death. He went to Mount Nebo, where he was to die instead of entering the promised land. In Deuteronomy 32:51, the Lord tells him, This is because both of you broke faith with me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because you did not uphold my holiness among the Israelites. Even though Moses wouldnt be arriving at the Land of Canaan, the Israelites would. He blessed the twelve tribes before his death, including the sons of Asher.
About Asher, he said: Most blessed of sons is Asher let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.
In the book of Joshua, the Israelites finally stepped foot into the promised land. With God by their side, they conquered the land promised to them. After many years of war and victory, Joshua grew older in years. In Joshua 13:1, the Lord says, You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. God told Joshua he would continue conquering the land, and then the land needed to be divided among the tribes of Israel. Asher was a tribe that received one of those lots.
The fifth lot went to the tribe of Asher, clan by clan . . . There were twenty-two towns and their villages. These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Asher, according to its clans.
Allotment To Of Land In Canaan
- Joshua 19:24-31 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25 And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 26 And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath 27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand, …
- Ezekiel 48:2 And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Asher.
Don’t Miss: What Does Bc And Ad Mean In The Bible
What Family Did Asher Belong To
Asher wasnt born into the healthiest of families. His parents lived in a tangled web of deception and jealousy. His father, Jacob, had fallen in love with a young woman named Rachel. Rachels father, Laban, promised Jacob her hand if he worked for the family for seven years. Jacob worked for seven years, but on his wedding night was tricked into sleeping with Rachels younger sister, Leah. Labans only excuse was that the younger sister was usually married off first. He promised Rachels hand if Jacob agreed to work another seven years for the family. Jacob agreed and was married to Rachel, and he loved her more than Leah.
God saw Leah was unloved by Jacob and enabled her to conceive children. Rachel, on the other hand, remained barren. In desperation, she gave Jacob her servant, Bilhah, to sleep with. Bilhah bore two sons, and Rachel felt like she won the son-bearing race against her sister. When Leah noticed she stopped having children, she gave Jacob her servant, Zilpah, as a wife. Zilpah bore Jacob two sons, the second being Asher.
When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife . . . Leahs servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. Then Leah said, How happy I am! The women will call me happy. So she named him Asher.
Asher Mentioned In Scripture
Deuteronomy 33:24-25 shares Moses blessing on the tribes of Israel. He says that the sons of Asher are Most Blessed and even favored by his brothers. Ellicott says in His Commentary, The fertility of Ashers inheritance is probably alluded to. There is no tribe of which so little is recorded in history. The happiest lives are sometimes the least eventful. Moses then blessed Asher with dipping their feet in oil and having iron and bronze shoes.
Israel A History Of says, The land of Asher was known for its olive orchards. Asher produced such large amounts of oil that it became exceedingly wealthy. A big reason for Asher’s wealth, coupled with its natural production of olive oil, was its proximity to the markets of Phoenicia. The tribe of Asher became a leader in the olive oil trade in Canaan.
Joshua 19:24-31 shares about the land given to the tribe of Asher. There were twenty-two towns and their villages.
Ezekiel 48:2 tells about the divisions of the land for Asher in the northern kingdom. After Solomon died, the tribes of Israel split into the northern and southern kingdoms. The North was called Israel and the South was called Judah. The northern kingdom was larger, having ten tribes and the southern kingdom only had two tribes but won the battle. For more information on the split, see BibleStudyTools.
Recommended Reading: Where In The Bible Does It Talk About The Tribulation
What Was The Tribe Of Asher Known For
When Jacob was ill and dying, he asked his sons to come near and prophesied over them. In Genesis 49:20, Jacob stated, Ashers food will be rich he will provide delicacies fit for a king. Ashers tribe was to be a rich tribe, supplying not only the needs of the people but overflowing with delicacies. It wouldnt need to rely on other nations for its crops. Instead, it would produce an abundance from its fruitful soil. The Tribe of Ashers rich delicacies included the best wheat, wine, and an abundance of oil.
The Tribe of Asher is mentioned again in Deuteronomy when the Israelites are at Mount Ebal. Smiths Bible Dictionarydefines Mount Ebal as a mount in the promised land, on which the Israelites were to put the curse which should fall upon them if they disobeyed the commandments of Jehovah. Deuteronomy 27:13 mentions several tribes with this job, including the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. calls the task a necessary but painful duty.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
What Does Asher Mean
Looking for a name that encompasses all of the wonderful feelings surrounding a newborn? You’ve found it with Asher.
Asher is a Hebrew name meaning “happy” and “blessed.” It’s derived from the Hebrew word osher, meaning “happiness.” Asher is also a biblical name from the Old Testament. While it used to be reserved for boys, it is now considered a fun, gender-neutral option.
- Origin: Asher is a Hebrew name meaning “happy” and “blessed.”
- Gender: While it used to be more common for boys, Asher is now a popular option for girls, too.
- Pronunciation: ash-er
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Verywell Family believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. Its important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
Also Check: What Is Purpose According To The Bible
In Eastern Semitic Texts
Ugarit sources from before 1200 BC almost always credit Athirat with her full title rbt art ym . The phrase occurs 12 times in the Baal Epic alone. The title rbt is most often vocalised as rabtu, although rabat and rabti are sometimes used by scholars. Apparently of Akkadian origin, rabtu means ” lady”. She appears to champion her son, Yam, god of the sea, in his struggle against Baal. Yam’s ascription as ‘god of’ the sea in the English translation is somewhat incorrect, however, as ym is a common western Semitic root that literally means ‘sea’. As a result, one could understand Yam to be the sea itself, deified, as opposed to a deity who holds dominion over it. Athirat’s title can therefore been translated as “the lady Airatu of the sea”, alternatively, “she who walks on the sea”, or even “the Great Lady-who-tramples-Yam”. A suggestion in 2010 by a scholar is that the name Athirat might be derived from a passive participle form, referring to the “one followed by “, that is, “pro-genitress or originatress”, which would correspond to Asherah’s image as the ‘mother of the gods’ in Ugaritic literature.
She is also called Elat, ‘goddess‘, the feminine form of El and Qodesh or Qudshu, ‘holiness’.
Things To Know About The Tribe Of Asher
-The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Asher was divided into five clans According to the Bible, Asher was one of six tribes who stood on Mount Ebal and gave curses. These words were supposed to be a promise to God that the people would not behave in bad ways.
-Scripture says that the tribe of Asher responded to the call to repel the Midianites and others. There were times when Asher obeyed God and other times, he did not obey.
-The tribe of Asher inherited rich soil and produced grain, wine, oil, and minerals.
-The tribe of Asher was known as the happiest tribe.
God has the ability to use any person to help learn about Him and develop a relationship with Him. The Bible shares many examples of people who were unknown, poor, humble, meek, and journeying through rough times in life. God used those people to give us examples of how anyone can grow in faith. Through everyday life situations, we can learn many lessons on how to have a deeper relationship with the Lord. From the woman with a bleeding condition for many years, to a tax collector who left his work and followed the Lord, to many other examples, the Bible shares about the love and forgiveness of God.
We are called to follow His commandments and in following those directions, we can show others how to live for Him. Asher was one of many children and his life was important. God had a plan for Asher, just as He has a plan for each of His creations.
Recommended Reading: Grants For Playground Equipment For Churches
Moses Blessing To Asher
Moses blessing to the Tribe of Asher similarly spoke of wealth and good fortune:
And of Asher he said,Most blessed of sons be Asher let him be the favorite of his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:24-25
We know, from many recounts in the Bible that the washing of ones feet was a sign of prosperity and hospitality.
The Imitation Of Christ
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ and they direct us to imitate his life and character. The Imitation of Christ is a guide to following the example of Jesus Christ. It should be our most earnest study to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. The Imitation of Christ.
Read Also: Where In The Bible Does It Talk About Spiritual Gifts
What Is Asher Known For In The Bible
Among the many children of Jacob, there was one son named Joseph. He was Josephs favorite son. . Joseph often helped shepherd the flocks with his brothers. There were twelve sons. Their names were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Dinah was the daughter.
The Bible tells that Moses said Asher would be the most blessed of the sons and favored by his brothers. . Yet, there was conflict between the brothers and Joseph. Joseph had made negative comments about his brothers. The statements caused friction and turmoil between the brothers. Have you had an argument with a sibling? Were you able to work things out in a positive way?
Jacob loved Joseph more than the other brothers. He made a long robe with sleeves and gave it to Joseph. When Asher and the other brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more, they were angry and jealous. The anger turned into a plot to have Joseph killed and throw him in a pit. Reuben told the brothers not to kill him, just throw Joseph in a pit. After Joseph was in the pit for a time, the brothers, including Asher and Judah, agreed to sell him to some Midianite tribles for twenty pieces of silver. The brothers did not tell their father of the plan or that Joseph was still alive.
The Name Asher Appears In The Bible In The Following Verses:
Genesis 30:13 KJVAnd Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
Genesis 35:26 KJVAnd the sons of Zilpah, Leahs handmaid Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.
Genesis 46:17 KJVAnd the sons of Asher Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah Heber, and Malchiel.
Genesis 49:20 KJVOut of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
Exodus 1:4 KJVDan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
Numbers 1:13 KJVOf Asher Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Numbers 1:40 KJVOf the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war
Numbers 1:41 KJVThose that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Numbers 2:27 KJVAnd those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Numbers 7:72 KJVOn the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:
Numbers 10:26 KJVAnd over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.
Numbers 13:13 KJVOf the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
Numbers 26:46 KJVAnd the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
2 Chronicles 30:11 KJV
Recommended Reading: How Do You Fast According To The Bible
The Man With Shoes Of Iron And Brass
In the blessings of Jacob and Moses, Asher is described as being not only acceptable to his brethren, but as one blessed of God with royal dainties or bountiful supplies. Of all the tribes of Israel the tribe of Asher has the least eventful history. It never produced a great warrior, judge, king or counselor. The land of Asher was as uneventful as the tribe itself. No great battles were fought there in Israels time.
I. Asher and his bounties. Asher was the tribe of rich pastures. Asher dwelt in the midst of plenty and being willing to share what he had, was most acceptable to his brethren. Dipping the foot in oil may refer to the olive-trees, so plentiful in that thickly wooded part of Palestine. Acre, the port and town given to Asher, has been regarded as the key of Palestine, and as oil has been recently discovered near by, perhaps the fatness of the prophecies of Jacob and Moses is about to be realized to the full.
II. Asher and his female representative. No other tribe of Israel is represented in Scripture by a woman. One member of the tribe, a widow, represents the individual history of the tribe. One Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher . It was Anna who confessed Christ, at His birth, on the part of Israel.
The Name Asher In The Bible
There are one man and one town named Asher in the Bible. Asher the town was situated on the southern border of the territory of Manasseh . Asher the man was Jacob’s son number eight and his second one with Zilpah .
Asher’s only full brother was Gad , and Asher’s sons were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. His daughter was named Serah . Asher’s descendants, the would form one of the twelve tribes of Israel and settle the northern portion of Israel’s Mediterranean coast.
In Greek this name is spelled Aser . The name Asher should not be confused with the name Asshur, although these names appear to be quite kindred. In fact, the name Asher may come from a deity of that same name, which also lent its name to the Assyrians.
Also Check: What Does The Bible Say About Loved Ones Visiting Us
Is There A Place Called Asher
There are 6 places in the world named Asher!
Asher can be found in 3 countries throughout the world. America has the highest number of places called Asher spread accross 4 regions. The majority of the cities named Asher can be found above the equator. The northern most place is in the region Kentucky in America.