Asahel

Asahel is a male given name of Hebrew origin, from components that are commonly understood to mean “God has made” or “made by God.” In the Hebrew Bible, the most prominent bearer is Asahel, a son of Zeruiah, who is David’s sister, making Asahel David’s nephew and brother to Joab and Abishai. In 1 Chronicles 2:16 he is listed as one of Zeruiah’s three sons.

In the biblical narrative, Asahel is described as fleet of foot and a capable warrior in David’s army. During the civil conflict that followed Abner’s rebellion, Asahel pursues Abner. Abner warns him to stop, but Asahel presses on; Abner then strikes him and kills him, and Asahel dies on the battlefield.

Asahel’s death has significant narrative and political consequences. It removes a swift ally from David’s faction and heightens tensions between Joab and Abner, two rival leaders within the ongoing struggle for supremacy after Saul’s reign. Later, Joab murders Abner in revenge for Asahel’s death, an act that deepens the frictions surrounding David’s ascent to the throne.

The figure of Asahel is thus notable for his described swiftness, his place in the family of Zeruiah, and his death’s role in the broader arc of the early Davidic narrative.