What Do We Know about Asher in the Bible?
Share
What do we know about Asher in the Bible? Was he tall or short, plump or skinny? Was he gifted with creativity or hospitality? Scripture shares a small bit of information about Asher. Yet, Asher was an important part of God’s plan. God can use anyone to further His kingdom. Whether someone has a huge impact on the world or a small part of leading others to Christ, each person is uniquely gifted by God. Being alert to God’s calling allows us to use those gifts to lead others to Him.
Who Is Asher?
Asher was the son of Jacob and Zilpah. He was the founder of the Tribe of Asher. Scripture tells that Leah felt that she could no longer conceive and give Jacob any more children. Leah made the decision to give her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob, so he would be able to have more children. What a choice! Was Leah heartbroken as she made that choice? Would she become jealous of any children Jacob and Zilpah conceived? How did Leah interact with the children Jacob had with another woman?
Scripture shares that later Leah became pregnant again. She thought her childbearing time was over, but God had other plans. Jacob had numerous children by Leah and Zilpah. Jacob was the father of sons, and also, a daughter named Dinah. Jacob and Zilpah had a son whom they named Gad. Asher was their second son. They named him Asher because Leah said the women would call her happy. (Genesis 30:13 NIV)
The name Asher means “happy” or “blessed.” Scripture doesn’t tell us if Asher was a pleasant child or a troublesome child. With his name meaning “happy”, he may have been an easy going child. Our names don’t always fit with our personalities. However, we do learn in the Bible that Asher was known for his wisdom. Before Jacob died, he gave blessings to each of his twelve sons, with varying meanings.
What Is Asher Known for in the Bible?
Among the many children of Jacob, there was one son named Joseph. He was Joseph’s favorite son. (Genesis 33:2 NIV). 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. (Deuteronomy 33:24-25 NIV). Yet, there was conflict between the brothers and Joseph. Joseph had made negative comments about his brothers. (Genesis 37:1-11 NIV) 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.
Upon hearing news that Joseph had died, Jacob became distraught. Later in Scripture we learn that Joseph was not dead. Asher and the other brothers who had schemed to sell Joseph into slavery were shocked to learn that their brother was alive. They had met a handsome and successful man and didn’t realize the man was Joseph. The brothers had been sent to Egypt to buy grain. Think of the shock and embarrassment they may have felt upon learning the true identity of that man. Their own brother, whom they had tried to destroy, was now in a leadership role.
Joseph had his own plan to see his father once again. Through directions given by Joseph in Genesis 45:28, Jacob brought his whole family to Egypt. Imagine how Jacob must have felt learning that Joseph was alive. Surprise, shock, worry, and maybe some unbelief when he first was told that his son was alive. The family had already experienced mourning of the loss of the son.
What kind of feelings did Asher have during the plotting and carrying out of the plan the brothers have created? The plan to get rid of their brother Joseph was a cruel one. Before Jacob died, he blessed his sons. Jacob said Asher’s food would be rich and fit for a king. Later, Moses blessed Asher’s descendants. (Deuteronomy 33:24-25 NIV)
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. (Deuteronomy 27:13 NIV) 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.
There may be times of wondering what the plan is for our life. There may be times of doubt and uncertainty, stress, and sorrow. In all times, whether good or bad, we have the choice to follow God or to follow our own selfish ways. Asher may have questioned what to do in certain situations. Yet, his life was filled with purpose.
If you are not sure of the plan God has for your life, go to God in prayer. Ask God for answers and guidance in following His plan. God had a plan for Asher and God has a plan for you.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Javier Art Photography
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.