Numbers 1:41
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אָשֵׁ֑ר
of Asher
H836
אָשֵׁ֑ר
of Asher
Strong's:
H836
Word #:
3 of 8
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
Historical Context
Despite fertile territory and prophesied abundance (Genesis 49:20), Asher features rarely in biblical history. The tribe's most notable mention comes with Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36), demonstrating God's preservation of tribal identity even for less prominent tribes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Asher's relative obscurity despite covenant status challenge the modern pursuit of significance and recognition?
- What does this teach us about the value of faithful, quiet service to God's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Asher's 41,500 warriors positioned it in the mid-range of tribal military strength. The tribe's later sparse appearance in biblical narrative reminds us that covenant blessing and inclusion do not guarantee prominence or recognition. Many faithful members of God's kingdom serve quietly without recognition, yet their service is no less valuable to God. This challenges the modern obsession with visibility and impact, reminding us that faithful stewardship matters more than public acclaim.