Who was Ashriel?
Ashriel was a descendant of Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph, and a progenitor of the Ashrielite clan within the tribe of Manasseh. His name in Hebrew is אַשְׁרִיאֵל (Ashri’el), meaning “God is my help” or “God has made me happy.” Though mentioned only briefly in the biblical record, Ashriel represents a significant link in the generational lineage that shaped the tribal structure of Israel and ultimately fulfilled God’s promises to Abraham regarding a great nation.
Biblical References
Ashriel is primarily mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:14, which traces the genealogies of the tribes of Israel:
“The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she gave birth to Makir the father of Gilead.” (1 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
A parallel reference is found in Numbers 26:31, during the second census taken in the wilderness:
“These were the Asrielites: from Asriel, the Asrielite clan…” (Numbers 26:31, NIV)
This indicates that Ashriel was not only a person but also the head of a family line within Manasseh, giving rise to the “Asrielites,” one of the sub-tribal groups that settled in the Promised Land.
What Happened in the Bible?
The biblical text tells us that Ashriel was born to an Aramean concubine of Manasseh. This fact is noteworthy because it reflects the intermingling of Israel with other peoples during the patriarchal and tribal periods. Despite the foreign lineage through his mother, Ashriel’s descendants were fully incorporated into the covenant community of Israel and inherited territory as part of the tribe of Manasseh.
The Asrielites are counted among the tribal families in the wilderness census, indicating they were a recognized and enduring part of Israel’s national structure. Though Ashriel himself is not known for a particular event or action, his inclusion in the genealogical record highlights the significance of lineage, inheritance, and divine providence in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
While Ashriel is a minor figure in Scripture, his story holds lasting value for believers today. His name, meaning “God is my help,” reflects the ongoing truth that God is the sustainer and helper of His people. Ashriel’s presence in the genealogical line of Israel, despite being the son of a concubine, demonstrates the inclusive nature of God‘s grace. God does not limit His work to those of perfect pedigree, but uses people from all backgrounds to fulfill His purposes.
Christians can find encouragement in knowing that even those who appear to be insignificant in the world’s eyes are known and used by God. Ashriel’s role as the founder of a recognized clan shows how God uses faithful generations to preserve His promises and build His people.
How Ashriel’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Ashriel’s quiet but crucial place in the family of Israel reminds us that Jesus Christ came from a long and diverse genealogy that included the humble, the overlooked, and even those of questionable background (see Matthew 1). Just as Ashriel was part of the nation that would eventually produce the Messiah, so his life is part of the broader redemptive arc culminating in Christ.
Moreover, Ashriel’s name—“God is my help”—echoes a theme fulfilled in Jesus, our ultimate Helper and Savior (Hebrews 4:16; John 14:16). Jesus is the One who came to help the helpless and bring salvation not through human lineage, but through divine grace and mercy.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. The Importance of Genealogy and Covenant
Ashriel’s inclusion in the tribal records reflects the importance of genealogy in the Old Testament. These genealogies show the continuity of God’s covenant promises from Abraham to the coming of Christ.
2. God’s Sovereignty in Using All People
The mention of Ashriel being born of an Aramean concubine illustrates God’s sovereignty and grace in using individuals regardless of their background. God’s plan cannot be thwarted by human boundaries or social classifications.
3. Faithfulness Across Generations
Ashriel, though briefly mentioned, was a part of a family that endured and was counted among God‘s people. This emphasizes the value of generational faithfulness and God’s work in and through family lines.
4. God as Our Helper
Ashriel’s name anchors us to a foundational truth in Scripture—God is our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). This truth finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, the One who helps us by delivering us from sin and death.
Reflection Questions
- What does Ashriel’s inclusion in the biblical record teach us about how God values individuals?
- How does the meaning of Ashriel’s name—“God is my help”—encourage your faith in challenging seasons?
- How do the genealogies of the Bible connect to the bigger picture of God’s redemptive plan?
- Are there ways you’ve seen God use your background—no matter how broken or unexpected—for His purposes?
- How can you live with the same quiet faithfulness that allowed Ashriel’s descendants to be counted among God’s people?
Ashriel may not be a well-known figure, but his name and lineage quietly proclaim the unshakable faithfulness of God to build His people and fulfill His promises through every generation.