We are still in chapter 49 of Genesis with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. שָׁמֵן fat, robust, rich, containing plenty of fat. It is used 10 times in the Old Testament. It is used to describe land that is producing well six out of the ten times it is used. 1 Chronicles 4:40 They found שָׁמֵ֣ן rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and quiet. Nehemiah 9:25 They captured fortified cities and וַיַּשְׁמִ֔ינוּ fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. Nehemiah 9:35 Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and וְהַשְּׁמֵנָ֛ה fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways. We also see our word used in the sense of living with an overabundance. Habakkuk 1:16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in שָׁמֵ֣ן luxury and enjoys the choicest food. This is the sense of how our word is used in our chapter today. We still see Jacob talking to his sons before he dies.
Genesis 49:20 Asher's food shall be שְׁמֵנָ֣הrich, and he shall yield royal delicacies. The name means “blessed” or “happy”. Genesis 30:13 Then Leah said, “How happy I am! The women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher. Since the tribe of Asher wasn’t able to drive out the inhabitants of their territory (Judges 1:31–32), they settled down to be an agricultural people, taking advantage of the fertile land God gave them (Joshua 19:24–30). Moses said that Asher was “most blessed,” referring to its wealth of olive oil and the security of its cities (Deuteronomy 33:24–25). Asher’s food was definitely rich, and the tribe even provided special delicacies “fit for a king.” Asher reminds me of a couple of verses relating to this idea of luxury. God has not only a different idea about what a life of luxury is but an even better one. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Matthew 6:28-33 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
