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Asher

Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the father of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

His mother was Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Leah named him Asher, saying "Happy am I" (Genesis 30:13). Asher played a role in the plot to sell his brother Joseph into slavery. Asher and his four sons and daughter later settled in Egypt. Jacob blessed Asher on his deathbed, saying: "From Asher will come the richest food; he will provide the king's delights" (Genesis 49:20)

The tribe of Asher settled along the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, as far north as the city of Tyre.


Sources: Bridger, David. Ed. The New Jewish Encyclopedia, NY: Behrman House, 1976; Navigating the Bible II