Bible Dictionary
Asaph
Asaph was a Levite, chief musician, and seer under David. Psalms 50 and 73–83 are attributed to him, and later musicians and poets formed a guild known as the sons of Asaph.
Definition
Asaph was a Levite and one of David’s chief musicians. He was also called a seer, and Psalms 50 and 73–83 are attributed to him. The name later designated a continuing guild or class of singers and poets.
Biblical Usage
Asaph led music before the ark, served with cymbals, and participated in temple worship. His sons led musical divisions, and the sons of Asaph continued to serve in later religious revivals.
Historical Background
Asaph served alongside Heman and Jeduthun. The name also belonged to Hezekiah’s recorder and to the keeper of the king’s forest from whom Nehemiah requested timber.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Convener, or collector. (1.) A Levite; one of the leaders of David’s choir (1 Chr. 6:39). Psalms 50 and 73-83 inclusive are attributed to him. He is mentioned along with David as skilled in music, and a “seer” (2 Chr. 29:30). The “sons of Asaph,” mentioned in 1 Chr. 25:1, 2 Chr. 20:14, and Ezra 2:41, were his descendants, or more probably a class of poets or singers who recognized him as their master. (2.) The “recorder” in the time of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18, 37). (3.) The “keeper of the king’s forest,” to whom Nehemiah requested from Artaxerxes a “letter” that he might give him timber for the temple at Jerusalem (Neh. 2:8).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(collector of the people).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-saf ('acaph): Is the name of three men in the Old Testament, of whom one is the reputed author of Psalms 50 and 73-83. He was one of David's three chief musicians, the other two being Heman, and Ethan or Jeduthun, and we first hear of him when the ark was taken to Jerusalem (1Ch 15:16-19). He conducted with cymbals the music performed in the tent where the ark was housed (1Ch 16:4,5,7,37), while his two coadjutors discharged the same office at Gibeon (1Ch 16:41,42). In 1Ch 25:1 ff we are told that four of his sons were appointed to conduct under him detachments of the great chorus, the families of Heman and Jeduthun also furnishing leaders, and all took part at the dedication of the temple (2Ch 5:12). A., H., and J. were called the king's seers (1Ch 25; 2Ch 35:15), no doubt an official title of rank or dignity. The "Sons of Asaph" are mentioned in later times. They formed a guild, and played a prominent part at each revival of the national religion. See MUSIC; PSALMS.</p><p>James Millar</p>