Asaph אָסָף
Levite descendant who resettled in Jerusalem
Who is Asaph in the Bible?
Asaph was a Levite descendant who resettled in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile, appearing in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 9:15 and Nehemiah 11:17. He descended from Gershom, one of the sons of Levi, and is identified in Nehemiah's account as the father of Zabdi. As part of the community of Levites who returned to Jerusalem, Asaph would have participated in the restoration of worship and religious practices that were central to rebuilding Jewish life after exile. His inclusion in these post-exilic lists underscores the vital role that Levites played in re-establishing the temple service and spiritual foundation of the returning community.
Biography
Asaph is mentioned in the lists of Levites who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, recorded in 1 Chronicles 9 and Nehemiah 11. He is described as a descendant of Gershom, one of the sons of Levi. In the parallel passage in Nehemiah, he is called "Zabdi the son of Asaph." These lists highlight the importance of the Levites in restoring worship and community life in Jerusalem after the exile. As a Levite descendant living in Jerusalem, Asaph would have likely been involved in the various duties and responsibilities assigned to the Levites in the post-exilic period.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:15
"Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;"
Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 11:17
"Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אָסָף | Asaph , the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first |