Asahel: Father of Jonathan
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Asahel is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. He is noted as the father of Jonathan, who is listed among the descendants of Benjamin. Asahel's mention is brief, yet it contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel's tribal history and lineage.

Genealogical Context

Asahel is referenced in the context of the genealogies found in the First Book of Chronicles. In 1 Chronicles 27:7, the text states: "The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand." This passage highlights Asahel's role in the military organization of King David's reign, where he served as a leader of one of the divisions of the army. However, it is important to note that this Asahel is distinct from the Asahel who is the father of Jonathan.

The Asahel who is the father of Jonathan is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:21, which states: "Over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead was Iddo son of Zechariah; over Benjamin was Jaasiel son of Abner; over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham." This passage does not directly mention Asahel, but it is part of the broader genealogical context in which his lineage is recorded.

Tribal Significance

Asahel's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant place among the tribes of Israel, being the tribe of King Saul, Israel's first king. Asahel's connection to this tribe through his son Jonathan places him within the narrative of Israel's early monarchy and the complex relationships between the tribes.

Historical and Theological Implications

From a historical perspective, the genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish the continuity and legitimacy of Israel's tribal and familial lines. Asahel's mention, though brief, contributes to this overarching purpose by affirming the presence and role of his family within the tribe of Benjamin.

Theologically, the genealogies reflect the providence and sovereignty of God in preserving His chosen people. Each name, including Asahel's, is a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining the lineage through which He would ultimately bring about His redemptive purposes.

Conclusion

While Asahel, the father of Jonathan, is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in the history of Israel. His mention serves as a reminder of the intricate and divinely orchestrated tapestry of relationships that form the backdrop of the biblical account.
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Ezra 10:15
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
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Library

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... good-natured, knew that the king, and Jonathan, and his ... But Joab, whose father was
Suri, and his mother ... had with him his brethren, Abistiai and Asahel, as also ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

The History of David
... sorrowed and bewailed much the death of Saul and of Jonathan. ... him for to avenge the
death of Asahel his brother. ... yet he might not come in his father the king's ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ...
... He was brother of Jonathan Edwards, Jr., for years the ... out the honors bestowed upon
the father and the ... Asahel Hooker in the following November] that the time ...
/.../chapter xiv political parties in.htm

Disestablishment
... the executive abilities of his father and grandfather ... Oliver Wolcott; for
lieutenant-governor, Jonathan Ingersoll ... Asahel Morse, a Baptist minister, offered ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... yet not executed, I suppose principally because Jonathan did not ... be here noted, that
Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were all ... she did so, because her father Saul did ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... and that on the Prophets, attributed to Jonathan the son of ... For the father of Halakhic
study was Hillel, the ... the work of Dr. Asahel Grant on the Nestorians. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Asahel

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Asahel: A Levite, Who had Charge of Tithes

Asahel: Father of Jonathan

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Related Terms

Asahel's (2 Occurrences)

Asah-el (1 Occurrence)

As'ahel (17 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Abishai (25 Occurrences)

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Abner (54 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)

Quick-footed (7 Occurrences)

Beth-lehem (49 Occurrences)

Zebadi'ah (9 Occurrences)

Groin (4 Occurrences)

Gazelles (5 Occurrences)

Gazelle (12 Occurrences)

Fleet-footed (2 Occurrences)

Roe (21 Occurrences)

Roes (12 Occurrences)

Elhanan (4 Occurrences)

Elha'nan (3 Occurrences)

Dodo (5 Occurrences)

Chasing (12 Occurrences)

Swift-footed (1 Occurrence)

Swift (35 Occurrences)

Rib (5 Occurrences)

Pursuit (35 Occurrences)

Joab (128 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)

Belly (62 Occurrences)

Fifth (65 Occurrences)

Stop (108 Occurrences)

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)

Smiteth (156 Occurrences)

Dieth (192 Occurrences)

Youths (28 Occurrences)

Quietly (30 Occurrences)

Zeruiah's (1 Occurrence)

Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences)

Nahath (5 Occurrences)

Nineteen (3 Occurrences)

Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)

Opposed (23 Occurrences)

Jerimoth (10 Occurrences)

Jehi'el (12 Occurrences)

Jehon'athan (2 Occurrences)

Jahaziah (1 Occurrence)

Jehonathan (3 Occurrences)

Jozabad (10 Occurrences)

Jeho'ram (21 Occurrences)

Jahzei'ah (1 Occurrence)

Jismachiah (1 Occurrence)

Jo'zabad (7 Occurrences)

Jer'imoth (6 Occurrences)

Jahzeiah (1 Occurrence)

Lacked (18 Occurrences)

Gateway (40 Occurrences)

Grab (2 Occurrences)

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)

Ismakiah (1 Occurrence)

Ismachiah (1 Occurrence)

Inspectors (10 Occurrences)

Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence)

Fighting-men (30 Occurrences)

Tob (5 Occurrences)

Travelling (17 Occurrences)

Tobijah (17 Occurrences)

Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)

Tobadonijah (1 Occurrence)

Tobi'jah (3 Occurrences)

Tikvah (2 Occurrences)

Tobijath (1 Occurrence)

Tobadoni'jah (1 Occurrence)

Tob-adonijah (1 Occurrence)

Repeated (16 Occurrences)

Refuseth (22 Occurrences)

Asahel: A Levite, Who had Charge of Tithes
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