Asahel עֲשָׂהאֵל
Son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, killed by Abner
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
Parents
Siblings
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 2:18
"The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle."
- 2 Samuel 2:19
"Asahel pursued Abner; and in going he didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner."
- 2 Samuel 2:20
"Then Abner looked behind him, and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is.”"
- 2 Samuel 2:21
"Abner said to him, “Turn away to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn away from following him."
- 2 Samuel 2:22
"Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?”"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:16
"and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three."
- 1 Chronicles 11:26
"The mighty men of the armies also include Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,"
- 1 Chronicles 27:7
"The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his division were twenty-four thousand."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲשָׂהאֵל | H6214G |