The 12 Tribes of Israel Collection
Asher from the 12 Tribes of Israel
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Asher - The Prosperous One“Because of my good fortune, because women have called me fortunate.” (Gen. 30: 13)
Leah named Zilpah’s second child Asher, which indicates an abundance of fortune and joy. Asher embodies the kind of happiness that comes from prosperity, from having more than what is needed for survival. This painting invites us to join in a luxurious late afternoon feast of fruit -- to enjoy the bounty of the Land. The seven species of the Land of Israel -- wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates -- are laid before us, and the land spread out beneath us is lush and productive. The land of the tribe of Asher, along the northwest coast of Israel, was known for its olive trees and oil, which represent prosperity.
The fresh blue colour of the tribe’s gemstone, aquamarine, is reflected in the sky and in the Mediterranean Sea, which shines in the distant horizon. |
Detailed Explanation
- Essential Quality - Abundance
- Birth Mother - Zilphah, Leah's maidservant
- Birth Order - Tenth
- Mother's Naming - Leah declared, "In my good fortune! For women have deemed me fortunate!" So she called his name Asher. (Genesis, 30:13)
- Landscape - An expansive view west towards the Mediteranean Sea from a porch overlooking a courtyard, lush coastal fields, olive trees and date palms.
- Gemstone - Aquamarine
- Father (Jacob) Blessing - "From Asher - his bread will have richness, and he will provide kingly delicacies." (Genesis, 49:20)
- Kabbalah - Asher is both prosperity and pleasure. Asher is the dimension of blessing beyond the norm – to be given more than what is necessary for survival. Asher is the personality of not just getting what you need, but also enjoying it. (Jacobson, Simon from Twelve Tribes - Twelve Paths)