### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂsâhʼêl**, represented by `{{H6214}}`, means **God has made**. It appears 18 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. The name is given to four different Israelites, but it is most famously associated with the brother of Joab, a swift and determined warrior whose story is a key event in the early reign of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Asahel is introduced as one of the three sons of Zeruiah, along with Joab and Abishai ([[2 Samuel 2:18]]; [[1 Chronicles 2:16]]). He is immediately distinguished by his incredible speed, described as being "as light of foot as a wild roe" [[2 Samuel 2:18]]. During a battle, Asahel single-mindedly **pursued** Abner, the commander of Saul's army [[2 Samuel 2:19]]. Abner twice warned Asahel to **turn aside** [[2 Samuel 2:22]], but he refused [[2 Samuel 2:21]]. Consequently, Abner struck and killed Asahel with the hinder end of his spear [[2 Samuel 2:23]]. This act would have severe repercussions, as Joab and Abishai later slew Abner to avenge the blood of their brother Asahel ([[2 Samuel 3:27]]; [[2 Samuel 3:30]]). Asahel was buried in his father's sepulchre in Bethlehem [[2 Samuel 2:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the narrative of Asahel's pursuit and death:
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by)): This word defines Asahel's primary action in the story, as he **pursued** after Abner relentlessly [[2 Samuel 2:19]].
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off): Abner's repeated pleas for Asahel to **turn aside** use this word, highlighting Asahel's refusal to abandon his pursuit [[2 Samuel 2:23]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This is the verb used for the fatal blow, when Abner **smote** Asahel under the fifth rib [[2 Samuel 2:23]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die...; causatively, to kill): This word marks the outcome of the confrontation, as Asahel **died** on the spot [[2 Samuel 2:23]]. It is also used to state that Joab killed Abner because he had **slain** their brother Asahel [[2 Samuel 3:30]].
### Theological Significance
The name Asahel is associated with several distinct figures and roles in scripture:
* **The Swift Warrior:** The most prominent Asahel was the brother of Joab. He was renowned for being "light of foot" [[2 Samuel 2:18]], using the Hebrew word for **swift** `{{H7031}}`. He was also listed among the "valiant men" [[1 Chronicles 11:26]] and as a captain over a monthly course in David's army [[1 Chronicles 27:7]].
* **A Levite Teacher:** An Asahel is named among the Levites whom King Jehoshaphat sent to teach in the cities of Judah [[2 Chronicles 17:8]].
* **An Overseer:** During the reign of King Hezekiah, an Asahel was one of the overseers in the house of God, serving under Cononiah and Shimei [[2 Chronicles 31:13]].
* **Father of Jonathan:** In the time of Ezra, a man named Jonathan, the son of Asahel, was one of two men employed to address the matter of foreign wives [[Ezra 10:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6214}}` is a name whose meaning, "God has made," is attached to several individuals. However, it is overwhelmingly defined by the story of Asahel, the brother of Joab. His narrative is a concise and tragic account of a warrior whose greatest asset—his swiftness—led directly to his death. His demise serves as a critical catalyst for the ongoing conflict between David's and Saul's houses, cementing his place as a memorable, though short-lived, figure in the biblical record.
TRV