Asaph אָסָף
Recorder during King Hezekiah's reign
Who is Asaph in the Bible?
Asaph was a royal official who served as the recorder in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah during the late eighth century BC. As recorder, he held a position of administrative responsibility, likely overseeing official records and correspondence for the kingdom (2 Kings 18:18, 37; Isaiah 36:3, 22). When the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Asaph was part of the delegation sent to negotiate with the invading forces and heard the intimidating demands of the Assyrian commander, the Rabshakeh. Upon returning to the king, Asaph and his fellow officials tore their clothes in distress as they reported the threatening message. His role in this pivotal moment illustrates the responsibilities of court officials during times of national crisis and their duty to convey critical information to the king.
Biography
Asaph was an official who served as the recorder during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. When the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah sent a delegation, including Asaph, to meet with the Assyrian officials. The Assyrian representative, the Rabshakeh, delivered a threatening message, urging the people of Jerusalem to surrender. Asaph, along with the other officials, tore their clothes in distress and reported the message to Hezekiah. As the recorder, Asaph likely had responsibilities related to official records and correspondence in the royal court.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 2 verses
- 2 Kings 18:18
"Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them."
- 2 Kings 18:37
"Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh."
Isaiah 2 verses
- Isaiah 36:3
"Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him."
Study Isaiah → - Isaiah 36:22
"Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh."
Study Isaiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אָסָף | Asaph , the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first |