Asaph

 

Asaph, whose name means “Jehovah has gathered,” is the author of twelve psalms (Psalms 50, 73-83). He was a Levite and one of David’s three chief musicians (1 Chronicles 6:31, 39-43; 15:16-17; 16:4-5; 25:1-2). He was also a prophet or seer (1 Samuel 9:9; 1 Chronicles 25:2; 2 Chronicles 29:30).

In Psalm 73—a Wisdom psalm that instructs readers on how to deal with life’s challenges and pain—Asaph is bitterly overwhelmed by the injustice of the prosperity of the wicked (vv. 1-14). But when he understands God’s presence in his life, his own glorious destiny, and the destined punishment of the wicked (vv. 23-28), his perspective on this present world changes. Certain that “earth has nothing” he desires (v. 25), Asaph embraces the sovereign God as his strength (literally “rock” in Hebrew), refuge, and permanent and eternal possession (vv. 25-28). K. T. Sim