Bible Dictionaries
Asahel

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ass' uh hehl) Personal name meaning “God acted” or “God made.” 1. Brother of Joab and Abishai, David's nephew (2 Samuel 2:18 ). He was a commander in David's army (2 Samuel 23:24 ). He was a fleet-footed individual who pursued Abner as the latter fled following his defeat at Gibeon. Unable to dissuade Asahel from pursuing him, Abner slew him. That act led at last to the murder of Abner by Asahel's brother Joab (2 Samuel 3:27-30 ).

2. A Levite during the reign of Jehoshaphat, Asa's son. Asahel was sent out along with several princes, other Levites, and priests to teach the people of Judah the book of the law of God (2 Chronicles 17:8 ). 3 . A Levite under Hezekiah, the king of Judah following Ahaz. Asahel, along with ten others, assisted the chief officers in charge of contributions, tithes, and dedicated objects. Asahel's title was that of overseer. 4. The father of Jonathan who along with Jahaziah opposed Ezra's direction for the men of Judah to separate themselves from the foreign wives they had married. Ezra indicated they had sinned in marrying foreign women (Ezra 10:15 ).