Ebiasaph
Ebiasaph, also known as Abiasaph or Asaph, was a Levite descendant of Korah and an ancestor of temple gatekeepers. (1Ch.6.23,37; 9.19; Exo.6.24; 1Ch.26.1)
Biography
Ebiasaph, also rendered as Abiasaph in Exodus 6:24, was a Levite descended from Korah, the son of Izhar, who was himself a grandson of Kohath and great-grandson of Levi. His lineage is traced in both 1 Chronicles 6:23, 37 and through the family register in Exodus 6:24. Ebiasaph is of particular genealogical significance because his line survived the catastrophic rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16), producing descendants of distinction, including the temple gatekeepers enumerated in 1 Chronicles 9:19 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. The name "Ebiasaph" means "my father has gathered" or "the father has added," and his lineage became one of the key branches of the Levitical clan responsible for guarding and serving the sanctuary.
Significance
Ebiasaph's significance lies largely in what his family's survival represents: divine mercy persisting beyond human rebellion. Though his forefather Korah led a catastrophic revolt against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16), resulting in divine judgment, the sons of Korah were spared (Numbers 26:11). Through Ebiasaph, this surviving line produced the temple gatekeepers who protected the house of God for generations. His descendants included Shallum, the chief gatekeeper in David's era (1 Chronicles 9:17-19), and some scholars identify him with the Korahite Asaph of the Psalms tradition. His story illustrates that God's grace can carry a family through judgment to renewed purpose and service.
Verse Appearances (6)
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]