במדבר, פרק כ״ו, פסוק מ״ד

The census of the tribe of Asher reveals the profound changes the group underwent between their initial descent into Egypt and their arrival at the borders of the Land of Israel. A close examination of Asher's descendants reveals a missing name. Although Yishvah was counted in earlier records, his family did not survive the journey. They perished in the desert, becoming one of eight families that completely died out and never entered the Land [ריב״א, חזקוני]. In contrast, the family of Beriah experienced remarkable growth. His descendants multiplied so significantly that they branched out into three distinct families, with one carrying his own name, and two others named after his descendants, Heber and Malchiel [חזקוני].

The primary purpose of this detailed family count is to establish the foundation for the upcoming distribution of the Land of Israel. The exact method of this distribution presents a complex question regarding the base generation used for the division. The debate centers on whether the land was divided based on the generation that originally left Egypt or the generation that actually entered the Land. This distinction carries practical weight, particularly when calculating the inheritance of brothers from the Exodus generation who had varying numbers of children surviving to enter the Land [ריב״א].

Additionally, the tribal registry includes a notable mention of Asher's daughter, Serah. She is counted among the families simply because her name was already recorded in the original list of those who departed from Egypt [בכור שור].