by The Old Testament is full of prominent people who have dedicated their worship to God, keeping their dedication to their religion even in moments of weakness. One name that is prominent in the Bible is Asaph.
But who is Asaph in the Bible?
Let’s find out who he was and all about his psalms!
Who Was Asaph?
Asaph is a prominent figure in the Bible, more notably for those of the Jewish Faith, as he is mentioned in the Old Testament. Asaph was one of the three Levites King David assigned as Chief Musicians of worship in the Tabernacle Choir.
Asaph’s first mention in the Bible is when the Ark of the Covenant was transferred to Jerusalem from the home of Obed-edom. The transfer of the Ark was alongside a large parade with a musical procession led by the Levites, in which Asaph was the cymbal player.
After the Ark was set up in Jerusalem, King David appointed Asaph to be Chief of the group responsible for the Ark’s music ministry.
Asaph also served as a Chief Musician in Solomon’s temple after David’s reign.
Genealogy of Asaph
Asaph is the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea from the Gershon family of the tribe of Levi. He is also the ancestor of the “sons of Asaph”, one of the great family guilds of temple musicians.
Besides being a skilled musician, Asaph was one of the most gifted poets. His significance as a poet in the Jewish religion is most prominent in the Book of Psalms, which contains the twelve Asaph psalms.
Was Asaph a prophet?
Asaph’s predicate was raised to a seer or a prophet during the reign of king Hezekiah as mentioned in Chronicles 2 29:30.
Following the exile, 128 temple-singing descendants of Asaph returned from Babylon with Ezra, the reformer, and conducted the singing while laying the foundations of Zerubbabel’s Temple.
The sons of Asaph were a guild of skilled poets and singers who modeled themselves musically after their teacher Asaph, continuing the tradition of worshiping singers.
What Are the Psalms of Asaph?
The psalms of Asaph are worship songs included in the five books of psalms. Asaph is the author of twelve psalms, known as the “Psalms of Asaph,” as his name is in the superscription at the head of the psalms.
The Asaph psalms are Psalm 50 and then Psalm 73-83. Asaphs’s first Psalm 50 appears in book II, while psalms 73-83 open up book III. The prevalent theme across the psalms written by Asaph is God’s judgment and how the people of the Holy Bible must live by and follow the Law of God.
Asaph character study
Each psalm deals with its theme, but what his words tell us about Asaph’s character, especially in psalm 73, is that he struggles with his shortcomings.
In the psalm, he also writes of the strength he needs to keep his Faith despite the corruption of authority figures around him who are abusing their power. His envy of the godless and arrogant is present at his lowest point, exclaiming, “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.”
Yet, his Faith is restored once he enters the sanctuary of God and gains eternal perspective. While the greedy and arrogant may have everything in the mortal plain, they lack God’s blessing and will never gain entry into Heaven. This life is all they have.
Bottom Line
Asaph was a talented musician, poet, and prophet who was one of King David’s and Solomon’s three Chief Musicians. Asaph is also the author of twelve psalms in the Scriptures.
Overall, he was a prominent man!
FAQs
What instrument did Asaph play?
Asaph’s musical instruments were the cymbals he played during the transfer of the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem.
What does his name mean, and who is Asaph in the Bible?
Asaph was a Chief Musician in the First Temple, a prophet, poet, and author of twelve psalms in the Book of Psalms.
The meaning of the name Asaph is gatherer or collector. In the Bible, Asaph was a gatherer of people.
