Ishui is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Asher, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to him by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Ishui is part of the genealogical records that highlight the descendants of Jacob, who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

Ishui is specifically mentioned in the genealogical listings found in the Book of Genesis and the Book of 1 Chronicles. In Genesis 46:17 , the passage records the sons of Asher as they are listed among those who went to Egypt with Jacob during the time of famine: "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah." Here, Ishui is referred to as Ishvi, which is a variant of the name.

In 1 Chronicles 7:30 , the genealogy is reiterated: "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah." Again, Ishui is listed as Ishvi, indicating the consistency of his inclusion among the sons of Asher.

Tribal Significance:

Asher, the father of Ishui, was one of the tribes of Israel that settled in the western part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. The tribe of Asher was known for its abundance and prosperity, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20 : "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies." This blessing highlights the fertile land and the prosperity that the tribe would enjoy.

The descendants of Asher, including Ishui, played a role in the formation and development of the nation of Israel. Although Ishui himself is not individually highlighted in biblical narratives beyond the genealogical records, his inclusion in these lists underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the biblical context.

Name and Meaning:

The name Ishui, or Ishvi, is derived from the Hebrew root that can mean "equal" or "level." Names in the biblical tradition often carry significant meanings or reflect characteristics of the individual or their destiny. While the specific meaning of Ishui's name is not elaborated upon in the biblical text, it contributes to the rich tapestry of names that form the genealogical history of the Israelites.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies served not only as records of ancestry but also as a means of establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. The listing of Ishui among the sons of Asher reflects the importance of maintaining these records for the continuity of the Israelite people and their covenant relationship with God.

The tribe of Asher, to which Ishui belonged, was part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. As part of this tribe, Ishui's lineage contributed to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the multiplication and blessing of their descendants.Genesis 46:17
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
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Numbers 26:44
Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
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1 Chronicles 7:30
The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.
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