Asaph אָסָף
Keeper of the king's forest during Nehemiah's time
Who is Asaph in the Bible?
Asaph was the keeper of the king's forest during the time of Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:8). When Nehemiah sought permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he requested letters of authorization to Asaph so that he could obtain timber from the royal forest for the construction project. As keeper of the king's forest, Asaph managed and protected the royal forest lands and controlled the distribution of timber resources. His cooperation proved essential to Nehemiah's success, as Asaph's authorization allowed the necessary materials to be secured for one of the most significant rebuilding efforts in post-exilic Jewish history.
Biography
Asaph is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as the keeper of the king's forest. When Nehemiah requested permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, he also asked for letters to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, to obtain timber for the construction. As the keeper of the king's forest, Asaph was likely responsible for managing and protecting the royal forest lands and overseeing the distribution of timber resources. His cooperation was essential for Nehemiah to secure the necessary materials for the rebuilding project in Jerusalem.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 2:8
"And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my..."
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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 |