Aser
Identity
Aser is simply the Greek spelling of the Hebrew name Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the King James Version of the New Testament, the name appears as Aser, following the Greek text, while most modern translations render it as Asher to match the familiar Old Testament form.
Asher in the Old Testament
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, the handmaid of Leah (Genesis 30:12-13). His name means "happy" or "blessed," and Leah exclaimed at his birth, "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed" (Genesis 30:13). The tribe of Asher settled in the fertile coastal region of northwestern Canaan, extending from Mount Carmel northward toward Sidon (Joshua 19:24-31). Jacob blessed Asher with the promise that his food would be rich and that he would yield royal delicacies (Genesis 49:20). Moses similarly blessed the tribe, saying Asher would be most blessed among the sons, favored by his brothers, and would dip his foot in oil (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).
Aser in the New Testament
The tribe of Aser (Asher) appears in two New Testament passages. In Luke 2:36, the prophetess Anna is identified as belonging to the tribe of Aser. She was an elderly widow who spent her days in the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer. When the infant Jesus was brought to the temple, Anna recognized him as the promised redeemer and gave thanks to God (Luke 2:36-38). Her identification as a member of Asher's tribe is notable because it demonstrates that descendants of the northern tribes were still identifiable in the first century.
In Revelation 7:6, Aser is listed among the twelve tribes from which 144,000 servants of God are sealed during the end times. This inclusion affirms that God has not forgotten any of the tribes of Israel.
Significance of Anna's Tribal Identity
Anna's connection to the tribe of Asher carries special weight. The northern tribes, including Asher, had been carried into exile by the Assyrians in 722 BC, and many were considered lost. Anna's presence in the Jerusalem temple shows that some members of these tribes maintained their identity and their faith in God through centuries of upheaval.
Biblical Context
Aser (Asher) appears in Luke 2:36 identifying the prophetess Anna and in Revelation 7:6 among the sealed tribes. The Old Testament background includes Genesis 30:12-13, Genesis 49:20, Deuteronomy 33:24-25, and Joshua 19:24-31.
Theological Significance
The appearance of Aser in the New Testament affirms God's faithfulness to all twelve tribes of Israel. Anna's recognition of the infant Jesus shows that the hope of redemption burned brightest among the faithful remnant. The inclusion of Asher in Revelation's sealed tribes confirms that no portion of God's people is forgotten in His ultimate plan.
Historical Background
The tribe of Asher occupied the fertile coastal plain of northwestern Canaan, known for its olive oil production, which fulfilled the patriarchal blessing. After the Assyrian conquest of 722 BC, most of the northern tribes were deported, but some individuals evidently maintained their tribal identity, as Anna's example in the first century AD demonstrates.