The name Asaph is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Book of Psalms in the Bible. There are 12 psalms specifically attributed to Asaph (Psalms 50 and 73-83), indicating he was an important figure in the compilation and authorship of the Book of Psalms.
Based on biblical evidence, Asaph was a Levite and the leader of music in the tabernacle during the time of King David. He was appointed by David to be the chief musician and conductor of praises before the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 16:4-7). Asaph and his associates were set apart by David to minister regularly before the ark, lifting up thanksgivings and praise to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4-6, 37).
Asaph continued his musical duties in the temple during the reign of David’s son Solomon. When the ark was brought into Solomon’s newly built temple, Asaph was on hand to fulfill his appointed duty of praising God in music and song (2 Chronicles 5:12). Along with his contemporaries Heman and Jeduthun, Asaph prophesied with lyres, harps and cymbals under the direction of the king (1 Chronicles 25:1-6).
The Asaph mentioned in the Psalms had access to the secrets of David and was aware of the Lord’s protective care over David from his youth (Psalm 89:19-29). This indicates he was associated with David from early times. He also demonstrated intimate knowledge of Israel’s history in his psalms, such as the rebellion in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt (Psalm 78).
Asaph’s psalms reflect a heart devoted to praising God, instructing others in God’s ways, interceding for sinners, and pleading for mercy and deliverance from enemies. Here is a brief summary of the major themes found in the psalms attributed to him:
- Psalm 50 – Asaph summons the righteous for a divine judgment by covenant lawsuit, so the godly may give thanksgiving and glorify God.
- Psalm 73 – Asaph deals honestly with the prosperity of the wicked but is restored when he enters God’s sanctuary and remembers their end.
- Psalm 74 – Asaph laments the destruction of the temple by enemies but trusts God will remember His people.
- Psalm 75 – Asaph praises God who judges the earth in righteousness and lifts up the horn of the righteous.
- Psalm 76 – Asaph celebrates when God strikes down Israel’s enemies and the meek inherit the land.
- Psalm 77 – Asaph recounts God’s mighty deeds to encourage present faith in difficult times.
- Psalm 78 – Asaph reviews Israel’s history of rebellion to teach children to trust and obey God.
- Psalm 79 – Asaph cries out for deliverance from enemies who have invaded and defiled Jerusalem.
- Psalm 80 – Asaph intercedes for Israel, that God would shine forth and restore them from captivity.
- Psalm 81 – Asaph calls Israel to worship on appointed feast days and warns against idolatry.
- Psalm 82 – Asaph pronounces God’s judgment on unjust leaders of the people.
- Psalm 83 – Asaph implores God to destroy Israel’s enemies who plot against them.
In summary, Asaph was King David’s appointed leader of music and worship ceremonies at the tabernacle and temple. He authored 12 psalms which form a prophetic literature collection bearing his name. His works focus on covenant history, God’s judgment, praise, lament over sin, and pleas for mercy in times of crisis. Asaph served an important liturgical function in Israel’s worship life and as a choir director, musician and psalmist skillfully led the people to magnify the Lord.
Asaph lived during the times of David and Solomon, roughly 1000 BC. According to the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 6, Asaph was the son of Berechiah and a descendant of Gershom son of Levi. This Levitical lineage enabled him to serve as a temple musician and choir director. Asaph had four sons – Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah (1 Chronicles 25:2) who followed in his footsteps as skilled musicians and keepers of the threshold of the temple (1 Chronicles 9:19, 26:1-19).
Beyond his membership among the Levites and his special musical role, little else is known about Asaph’s personal life or story. But it is abundantly clear from the historical accounts and psalms attributed to him that Asaph was a gifted musician, skillful psalmist and devoted worship leader in Israel. His Spirit-inspired songs continue to instruct God’s people in how to trust in the Lord and glorify Him at all times.
Here is a summary of key Bible passages that mention Asaph:
- 1 Chronicles 6:39 – Genealogical record of Asaph as a Levite in the lineage of Gershom
- 1 Chronicles 15:17 – Asaph appointed by David to be in charge of music with cymbals
- 1 Chronicles 15:19 – Asaph and musicians played cymbals at transfer of the ark
- 1 Chronicles 16:4-7 – Asaph appointed by David to lead worship before the ark
- 1 Chronicles 16:37 – Asaph and associates minister regularly before the ark
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-6 – Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun under King David prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals
- 2 Chronicles 5:12 – Asaph sounded cymbals when the ark entered Solomon’s temple
- 2 Chronicles 20:14 – Asaph’s descendant Jahaziel prophesies to King Jehoshaphat
- 2 Chronicles 29:13 – Hezekiah commands Levites including sons of Asaph to consecrate the temple
- 2 Chronicles 29:30 – Singers including Asaph’s sons sang praises with gladness
- 2 Chronicles 35:15 – Sons of Asaph at their stations according to David’s directions
- Ezra 2:41 – Number of Asaph’s descendants who returned from the Exile
- Nehemiah 7:44 – Also lists how many descendants of Asaph returned from Exile
Beyond the historical books, the Book of Psalms contains 12 psalms specifically attributed to Asaph. This is strong evidence he had a hand in compiling and authoring biblical psalms:
- Psalm 50 – A psalm by Asaph on God’s judgment of His people
- Psalms 73-83 – A collection of psalms by Asaph (11 total psalms)
Asaph clearly played an important role in Israel’s music and worship. King David appointed him as the leader of music and master of ceremonies before the ark. He led choirs and orchestras using cymbals and other instruments to praise God. Asaph instructs God’s people in covenant history, obedience, and trusting God through crisis. His descendants followed in his footsteps for generations, even after the Exile. The collection of psalms under his name testifies to his lasting legacy as a psalmist and worship leader in Israel.