Asana
Who Were the Sons of Asana?
Asana is the name of a family head whose descendants are listed among the temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name appears in 1 Esdras 5:31 in its Greek form, while the Hebrew parallel in Ezra 2:50 uses the form "Asnah." The family returned with Zerubbabel in the first wave of exiles around 538 BC. Interestingly, the name is omitted from the parallel list in Nehemiah 7, suggesting possible textual transmission differences.
The Nethinim: Temple Servants
The sons of Asana belonged to the Nethinim, a class of temple servants who assisted the Levites in the practical operations of the temple. The name Nethinim means "given ones," indicating they were dedicated to temple service. Their duties likely included maintaining the temple grounds, carrying water, cutting wood, and performing other manual tasks necessary for the daily operations of worship. The Nethinim are mentioned alongside other temple personnel in the return lists (Ezra 2:43-58).
Origins of the Nethinim
The Nethinim had ancient origins in Israel's worship system. David and the officials appointed them for the service of the Levites (Ezra 8:20). Some scholars trace their origins to the Gibeonites, whom Joshua had assigned as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of God (Joshua 9:27). Over time, additional groups may have been added to this class of servants from among captives of war or other dedicated workers. By the post-exilic period, the Nethinim were a recognized and respected part of the temple community.
The Return from Exile
The return of the Nethinim, including the sons of Asana, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the restoration effort. The returning community needed not just priests and Levites to conduct worship but also the support staff who made temple operations possible. Ezra 2:43-58 lists thirty-five families of Nethinim who returned, totaling 392 individuals. Each family, however small, was essential to reestablishing proper worship in Jerusalem.
The Value of Service
The sons of Asana represent the often-overlooked servants whose faithful work made Israel's worship possible. While priests performed sacrifices and Levites led worship, the Nethinim ensured the practical infrastructure of the temple functioned. Their inclusion in the official return lists alongside priests, Levites, and prominent families affirms that every form of service to God is valued and recorded. This principle carries through to the New Testament, where Paul teaches that every member of the body of Christ has an essential role (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).
Biblical Context
Asana appears in 1 Esdras 5:31, with the parallel in Ezra 2:50 using the form Asnah. The family is listed among the Nethinim (temple servants) who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. The broader context of Ezra 2 and 1 Esdras 5 catalogs all the families who participated in the first return, establishing the legitimate membership of the restored community.
Theological Significance
The sons of Asana illustrate that all forms of faithful service to God are significant, not just the prominent roles of priests and leaders. The Nethinim's inclusion in the return lists affirms that God values the support and practical work that enables worship. Their dedication to returning from Babylon for temple service demonstrates that humble service can be an expression of deep faith and commitment.
Historical Background
The Nethinim are attested primarily in the post-exilic literature (Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles). They lived in specific quarters in Jerusalem, near the Water Gate and the Ophel hill (Nehemiah 3:26, 31; 11:21). The class may have included descendants of various foreign groups who were dedicated to temple service over the centuries. Similar classes of temple servants are known from other ancient Near Eastern temples, where large staffs were needed to maintain religious complexes.