אֲשַׂרְאֵלָה
Asarelah, an Israelite
Definition
Asarelah is a proper name of an Israelite musician appointed by King David for service in the temple. He is listed among the sons of Asaph, who were set apart to prophesy with musical instruments (1 Chronicles 25:1-2). The name signifies a person oriented toward God, reflecting a life dedicated to worship. In the single biblical occurrence, Asarelah is specifically noted as one of the temple musicians under the direction of his father, Asaph.
Biblical Usage
This name appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 25:2, within a list of temple musicians. The context is the organization of Levitical worship during David's reign, where Asarelah is grouped with his brothers under the leadership of their father, Asaph. All were appointed to prophesy and give thanks to the Lord through music, indicating a role in formal, divinely ordained worship.
Etymology
Derived from the same root as the name Asareel (H840), likely meaning 'right toward God' or 'God has bound.' It shares a connection with the name Jesarelah (H3480), which appears to be a variant form. The name combines elements suggesting uprightness or correctness in relation to the divine.
Semantic Range
Asarelah's role as a temple musician highlights the theological importance of worship and prophecy in Israel's communal life. His inclusion underscores that worship is a divinely appointed service, where music and prophecy intertwine to honor God (1 Chronicles 25:1). Understanding his name—'right toward God'—enriches the perception that those leading worship were to be personally oriented toward God, modeling devotion for the community.
In ancient Israel, temple musicians were Levites from specific families, like Asaph's, holding hereditary roles. Their duty was not merely artistic but prophetic, using music to convey God's messages and lead communal praise. This cultural role elevated music as a sacred, integral component of worship, distinct from secular entertainment.
Asareel (ʼĂsarʼêl, H840) — a related personal name, possibly a shorter form. Jesarelah (Yᵉsarʼêlâh, H3480) — a variant spelling of the same name, used in the same musical context (1 Chronicles 25:14).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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