Numbers Chapter 26 · Verse 47
These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 10
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָשֵׁ֖ר
of Asher
H836
אָשֵׁ֖ר
of Asher
Strong's:
H836
Word #:
4 of 10
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
H6485
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 10
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 10
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Asher's 11,900-person increase over 38 years occurred despite plagues, rebellions, and judgments that killed most of the older generation. Their growth rate (28.7%) far exceeded population sustainability, suggesting divine multiplication. This tribe would later occupy Galilee's richest agricultural region.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Asher increase 28.7% while Simeon decreased 62.6% in the same wilderness conditions? What spiritual factors determine fruitfulness?
- How does Asher's growth demonstrate that God's blessings are not merely spiritual platitudes but concrete, measurable realities?
- In what areas of your life should spiritual 'happiness/blessing' produce tangible, countable results?
Analysis & Commentary
Fifty and three thousand and four hundred (53,400)—Asher's tribe increased from 41,500 in the first census (Numbers 1:41), a 28.7% growth rate, the third-highest in Israel. A "happy" tribe indeed: Asher's blessing materialized in multiplication. While Simeon nearly vanished and Ephraim declined, Asher thrived in the wilderness.
The growth pattern reveals spiritual fruitfulness (פָּרָה): those who maintain covenant faithfulness multiply even in desert seasons. Asher's name means "blessed/happy," and God demonstrated the blessing tangibly. Abstract concepts become concrete numbers—53,400 warriors ready for conquest. Faith without works is dead; blessing without increase is questionable.