Keeper of the king's forest during Nehemiah's time
Asaph
Named in 1 verse of Nehemiah, first in Nehemiah 2:8.
אָסָףAsaph
The name means “who gathers together.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Asaph Written by AI
Asaph is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as the keeper of the king's forest. When Nehemiah requested permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, he also asked for letters to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, to obtain timber for the construction. As the keeper of the king's forest, Asaph was likely responsible for managing and protecting the royal forest lands and overseeing the distribution of timber resources. His cooperation was essential for Nehemiah to secure the necessary materials for the rebuilding project in Jerusalem.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Asaph, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
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).
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(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).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.