Bible Figure
Asher
biblical figure and son of Jacob and Zilpah
Asher was a son of Jacob and Zilpah and the ancestor of the tribe of Asher.
Biography
Genesis 30 records that Zilpah, Leah's servant, bore Jacob a second son whom Leah named Asher in connection with happiness or blessedness. Jacob's final blessing speaks of rich food associated with Asher, and Moses' blessing likewise pictures abundance and strength. Asher's descendants formed one of Israel's twelve tribes and received territory in the northwestern part of Canaan. The New Testament prophetess Anna is identified as being from the tribe of Asher.
Biblical Significance
Asher is important as one of Jacob's sons and the patriarchal ancestor of a tribe of Israel. His tribal blessings emphasize prosperity and abundance.