The name Asarel (Hebrew: ’Asar’el) is a compound name meaning “God has bound” or “God has prevailed.” He is a very obscure figure in the biblical text, being mentioned only once in the comprehensive genealogical tables of 1 Chronicles.
The Lineage of Judah
Asarel belongs to the vast and important genealogy of the Tribe of Judah. This tribe was the royal tribe, from which King David arose and through which the promised Messiah was destined to descend. The Chronicler (the author of 1 & 2 Chronicles) dedicated extensive space to recording the lineage of Judah to confirm the integrity of the royal and Messianic line.
Asarel is recorded as a son of Jehaleleel within the line of Judah:
“And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.” (1 Chronicles 4:16, KJV, emphasis added).
Context and Significance
The context of this verse is the complex family tree that descends from Judah’s sons, particularly through his grandson, Hur. These specific lists are not concerned with individual deeds but with maintaining a precise record of descent to preserve the tribal identity and the historical legitimacy of the covenant promises.
Since Asarel is only listed as a son in a chain of descent, nothing is known about his life, his occupation, or the time in which he lived, other than his placement within this specific branch of the tribe of Judah.
The Purpose of Genealogy
Asarel’s inclusion, like many others in these lists, serves the crucial function of demonstrating the unbroken continuity of the covenant lineage. These genealogies provided the returned exiles with documented proof of their Hebrew identity, their tribal rights, and their inherited land claims.
More significantly, Asarel’s name is part of the extensive genealogical preparation that ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The fact that the line of Judah was so meticulously preserved, even down to these minor family branches, confirms the divine determination to maintain the ancestral path leading to the promised King. He is a humble link in the golden chain of redemption, demonstrating that God is mindful of every person necessary to bring about His plan.