Asahel, a notable figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as one of the sons of Zeruiah, the sister of King David. He is prominently mentioned in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Asahel was the youngest brother of Joab and Abishai, both of whom were key military leaders under King David. His name, Asahel, means "God has made" or "God has created," reflecting a common practice of the time to attribute divine significance to personal names.

Biblical References:

1. Family and Lineage: Asahel was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. This familial connection placed him in a position of influence and responsibility within David's military ranks. The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 2:16 lists Asahel alongside his brothers: "Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel—three."

2. Role in David's Army: Asahel is described as a swift and agile warrior, a trait that made him a valuable asset in battle. His speed is notably mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:18: "The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle."

3. Pursuit of Abner: Asahel's most significant biblical narrative involves his pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, during the conflict between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's house. Despite Abner's warnings to turn aside, Asahel's determination led to his demise. In 2 Samuel 2:19-23, the account details how Asahel pursued Abner relentlessly, resulting in Abner striking him with the butt of his spear, causing Asahel's death.

4. Aftermath and Vengeance: Asahel's death had significant repercussions. His brothers, Joab and Abishai, sought to avenge him, which eventually led to Abner's death at the hands of Joab. This act of vengeance is recorded in 2 Samuel 3:27: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab's brother."

5. Legacy: Asahel's legacy continued through his descendants. He is mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 27:7, where his son Zebadiah is listed as one of the leaders of the divisions of the army: "The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab, and his son Zebadiah after him. There were 24,000 men in his division."

Asahel's account is a testament to the complexities of loyalty, family ties, and the harsh realities of ancient warfare. His life and untimely death illustrate the intense personal and political struggles during the early years of David's reign.As'ahel (17 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.
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2 Samuel 2:19
Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
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2 Samuel 2:20
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, "Is it you, Asahel?" He answered, "It is I."
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2 Samuel 2:21
Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor." But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
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2 Samuel 2:22
Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?"
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2 Samuel 2:23
However he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place. It happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
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2 Samuel 2:30
Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
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2 Samuel 2:32
They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.
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2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
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2 Samuel 3:30
So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
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2 Samuel 23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
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1 Chronicles 2:16
and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.
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1 Chronicles 11:26
Also the mighty men of the armies: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
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1 Chronicles 27:7
The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
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2 Chronicles 17:8
and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
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2 Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
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Ezra 10:15
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah stood up against this matter : and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
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As'ahel (17 Occurrences)
As'ahel. Asahel, As'ahel. Asah-el . Multi-Version Concordance As'ahel
(17 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah ...
/a/as'ahel.htm - 11k

Asahel (17 Occurrences)

/a/asahel.htm - 16k

Asah-el (1 Occurrence)
Asah-el. As'ahel, Asah-el. Asahel's . Multi-Version Concordance Asah-el (1
Occurrence). ... (YLT). As'ahel, Asah-el. Asahel's . Reference Bible.
/a/asah-el.htm - 6k

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