Asahel עֲשָׂהאֵל
Son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, killed by Abner
Who is Asahel in the Bible?
Asahel was the youngest son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and the brother of Joab and Abishai (1 Chronicles 2:16). Known for his exceptional speed, described as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle, he served as one of David's mighty men and commanded a division in David's army (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 27:7). During a battle at Gibeon between David's forces and those of Ish-Bosheth, Asahel pursued Abner, the commander of the opposing army, but despite Abner's warnings to turn back, Asahel refused to stop, and Abner killed him with the butt of his spear (2 Samuel 2:18-23). His death sparked a cycle of revenge when Joab and Abishai later murdered Abner in retaliation (2 Samuel 3:27, 30). Asahel's tragic end demonstrates the destructive consequences of the civil conflict between David's kingdom and the house of Saul.
Biography
Asahel was the youngest son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and the brother of Joab and Abishai. He was known for his speed and agility, being described as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle. During the battle between the forces of David and Ish-Bosheth at Gibeon, Asahel pursued Abner, the commander of Ish-Bosheth's army. Despite Abner's warnings to turn aside, Asahel refused, and Abner killed him with the butt of his spear. Joab and Abishai later avenged their brother's death by murdering Abner when he came to support David. Asahel was one of David's mighty men and was placed in charge of a division in David's army.
Family
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In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 2:18
"The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,"
- 2 Samuel 2:19
"and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit."
- 2 Samuel 2:20
"And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied."
- 2 Samuel 2:21
"So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him."
- 2 Samuel 2:22
"Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:16
"Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel."
- 1 Chronicles 11:26
"Now these were the mighty men: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem,"
- 1 Chronicles 27:7
"The fourth, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him. There were 24,000 men in his division."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲשָׂהאֵל |