Asahel

Asahel (Hebrew: עשהאל, Greek: ‘Ασαέλ) (also known as Asael, Asaell, and Assael) was the youngest son of Zeruiah, step-daughter of Jesse, daughter of Nahash (which can be inferred from 2 Samuel 17:25). The name means "made by God." Asahel was the nephew of King David, as well as the younger brother of both Joab, David's general, and of Abishai. Asahel is mentioned in 2 Samuel Chapters 2 and 3.

Additionally, the name Asahel (under a variant spelling) appears in Aramaic in the Book of Enoch.

Meaning

The name is made up of two parts: the verb עשה, Hebrew "to do, make" 3rd m.sg. perfect, and the theophorous element (deity name), אל, the Hebrew God El, or Elohim. This would make it a name of "thanksgiving", thanking God for what he has "made" or "done".

History

Asahel was the youngest son of Zeruiah, David's sister. His older brothers were Joab and Abishai. He was known for his swiftness of foot: "Asahel was swift of foot, like a gazelle in the open field." (cf. 2 Sam. 2:18). He was put to death by Abner, whom he pursued from the battlefield when fighting against Abner at Gibeon, in the army of his brother Joab, (cf. IISam. 2:18-19). He is considered among David's thirty valiant men (cf. IISam. 23:24; 1 Chronicles. 11:26).