Asaph

Lore & Background

Asaph is prominently featured as a Levite appointed by David to lead music in worship. He and his brethren were set to minister before the ark of the covenant continually (1 Chronicles 16:37). Asaph is described as making a sound with cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:19, 1 Chronicles 16:5) and was among those who prophesied with harps, psalteries, and cymbals according to the king's order (1 Chronicles 25:1-2). David delivered a psalm of thanksgiving into Asaph's hand (1 Chronicles 16:7). Later, Asaph is called a seer, and his words were used in praise during Hezekiah's reforms (2 Chronicles 29:30). The sons of Asaph continued as singers in the temple, with their divisions and lots recorded (1 Chronicles 25:9, 2 Chronicles 5:12). In the post-exilic period, the children of Asaph are listed among the returning exiles (Ezra 2:41, Nehemiah 7:44) and served in the house of God (Nehemiah 11:22). A separate Asaph is mentioned as the keeper of the king's forest who provided timber for Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:8).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Asaph as a foundational figure in Israel's liturgical music. He is consistently linked with cymbals and prophetic song, serving under David's direction (1 Chronicles 25:6). His lineage is traced through his father Berechiah and his sons, who formed a hereditary guild of singers (1 Chronicles 25:2, 1 Chronicles 6:39). The texts emphasize his role as a seer, indicating that his musical ministry was considered inspired (2 Chronicles 29:30, 2 Chronicles 35:15). The repeated mention of 'the sons of Asaph' in post-exilic books (Ezra 2:41, Nehemiah 7:44, Nehemiah 11:17) shows that his legacy endured for centuries. A distinct Asaph appears in Nehemiah 2:8 as a royal forester, not a Levite, illustrating that the name was shared by different individuals. The passages do not provide details about Asaph's personal life or death, focusing instead on his institutional role.

Did You Know?

• Asaph is called a 'seer' in 2 Chronicles 29:30 and 2 Chronicles 35:15, indicating a prophetic role in music.
• A different Asaph is mentioned as the keeper of the king's forest who supplied timber to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:8).
• Asaph's sons included Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah, who prophesied under his direction (1 Chronicles 25:2).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Asaph was a Psalmist and author of twelve psalms numbered as 50 and 73–83 in the Masoretic Text, and as 49 and 72–82 in the Septuagint and the Vulgate." — Asaph "Hear this, all peoples; / Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, / Both low and high, / Rich and poor together. / My mouth shall speak wisdom, / And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding." — Asaph "Truly God is good to Israel, / To such as are pure in heart." — Asaph "My flesh and my heart fail; / But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Asaph