We often think of the biblical tribes as these monolithic entities, but they were families, prone to squabbles and reconciliation just like us. Take the tribe of Asher. What made them so special?
Our text today comes from Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy. In section 355, we find a brief but fascinating glimpse into Asher's character and standing among his brothers. The passage opens with a simple question: "And of Asher he said": Why is this written? Because it is written (Bereshith 42:2, see above)." A bit cryptic at first glance, right? It's a classic rabbinic technique, drawing a parallel between two seemingly disparate verses to unlock a deeper meaning. In this case, it's highlighting Asher's unique blessing.
The verse continues: "Blessed of sons is Asher." Sifrei Devarim then declares: "There is no tribe more blessed with sons than Asher." Imagine that! A tribe overflowing with children, a sign of prosperity and divine favor. But the blessing doesn't end there. It extends to relationships, to the very fabric of their communal life.
"He shall be desired of his brothers." This is where it gets interesting. Why desired? Sifrei Devarim offers two explanations, each painting a different picture of Asher's role within the family.
The first interpretation focuses on Asher's material blessings: "He was gracious to his brothers with anfiknon oil and mullets, and they were gracious to him with grain." Anfiknon oil, likely a high-quality olive oil, and mullets, a type of fish, were presumably Asher's specialties, products of the land allotted to his tribe. He shared his bounty, and in return, his brothers shared their grain. A perfect picture of reciprocity and mutual support, right? It highlights the importance of sharing resources and contributing to the collective good.
But the second interpretation… well, it's a bit spicier. It involves a transgression, a secret, and ultimately, forgiveness. "When Reuven performed that act (viz. Bereshith 35:22), Asher went and related it to his brothers, who rebuked him, saying 'Our brother, is this how you speak of our big brother?' And when Reuven admitted his deed, they were reconciled with him (Asher) — wherefore it is written 'He shall be desired of his brothers.'"
Whoa. What was "that act"? We'd have to turn back to Genesis 35:22 to find out. It tells of Reuven's affair with Bilhah, his father Jacob's concubine. A serious offense, to say the least!
So, Asher, witnessing this, tattles to his brothers. And their initial reaction? They're mad at Asher! They scold him for speaking ill of their elder brother. But, ultimately, Reuven confesses, and Asher is forgiven and accepted back into the fold. This interpretation portrays Asher as someone perhaps a little too quick to judge, a bit gossipy even. But it also highlights his role in bringing truth to light, even when it's uncomfortable. And, most importantly, it emphasizes the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the initial conflict, the brothers ultimately valued Asher's presence and accepted him back into their community. "He shall be desired of his brothers" – even after the drama.
Which interpretation resonates more? The generous provider or the truth-teller who ruffled feathers? Perhaps both are true. Perhaps Asher, like all of us, was a complex individual, capable of both great generosity and occasional missteps. What is clear is that his relationship with his brothers was a dynamic one, marked by both material exchange and emotional complexities. And maybe that's the most enduring lesson of all: that even within the most blessed of families, there's always room for growth, forgiveness, and a little bit of drama.