Asher

Eighth son of Jacob and second son through Zilpah, Leah’s servant, ancestor of the tribe of Asher. Leah named him “Asher” (meaning “happy” or “blessed”), saying “Happy am I! For women have called me happy” (Genesis 30:13). Jacob’s blessing promised abundance: “Asher’s food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20). The tribe of Asher later settled along the fertile Mediterranean coast in northwestern Canaan. The prophetess Anna, who recognized the infant Jesus at the Temple, descended from this tribe (Luke 2:36).