Joshua 19:24-31

LOT OF ASHER, Joshua 19:24-31.

[The position of Asher may be generally described as extending along the shore of the Mediterranean from Tantura, on the south of Mount Carmel, to Zidon on the north, and bounded on the east by Zebulun and Naphtali. His territory included the rich plain of Phenicia, and some of the most celebrated cities of antiquity. Truly did Jacob prophesy: “His bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties,” (Genesis 49:20;) and Moses: “He shall dip his foot in oil; his shoes shall be iron and brass.” Deuteronomy 33:24-25. The great Phenician plain near Acre was rich in corn and wine and oil, and in the Zidonian metallic manufactories probably many Asherites learned to be skilful workmen in iron and brass. Compare 1 Kings 7:14. When other tribes were at war with Jabin’s hosts, Asher dwelt quietly by his harbours. Judges 5:17. Asher never conquered the Phenician territory, but was content to dwell among the Canaanites and learn their ways. See Judges 1:31-32. Stanley remarks; “One name only of the tribe of Asher shines out of the general obscurity the aged widow who, in the very close of the Jewish history, departed not from the Temple at Jerusalem, but served God with prayers and fastings night and day. (Luke 2:36, where see notes.) So insignificant was the tribe to which was assigned the fortress which Napoleon called the key of Palestine.”]