Topical Bible: Joseph: of the Sons of Asaph

◄ Joseph: of the Sons of Asaph ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, identified as one of the sons of Asaph, is a figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The sons of Asaph were a prominent family of Levitical musicians, and Asaph himself was a chief musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 6:31-39). Asaph's descendants continued this musical legacy, serving in the temple and playing a significant role in the worship life of Israel.

Biblical References:

Joseph is specifically mentioned in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In Ezra 2:41, the sons of Asaph are listed among those who returned from captivity: "The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 128." This passage highlights the importance of the Asaphite musicians in reestablishing the worship practices of Israel after the exile.

The role of the sons of Asaph, including Joseph, was not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual. They were responsible for leading the people in worship, using music to glorify God and to facilitate the communal expression of faith. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to Asaph, reflect the theological depth and emotional range that characterized their ministry.

Historical and Theological Context:

The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marked by a renewed commitment to the covenant and the restoration of temple worship. The inclusion of the sons of Asaph in the list of returnees underscores the continuity of Israel's worship traditions and the centrality of music in their religious life.

Theologically, the ministry of the sons of Asaph, including Joseph, can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people and to reestablish His presence among them. Their role in the temple service was a tangible expression of the hope and renewal that characterized the post-exilic community.

Legacy and Influence:

The legacy of Joseph and the sons of Asaph extends beyond their immediate historical context. Their dedication to worship and their contributions to the Psalter have had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions. The Psalms attributed to Asaph continue to be a source of inspiration and instruction for believers, emphasizing themes of God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness.

In summary, Joseph, as one of the sons of Asaph, represents a vital link in the chain of Israel's worship history. His inclusion in the post-exilic community highlights the enduring significance of music and worship in the life of God's people, serving as a reminder of the power of praise to unite and uplift the faithful.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 25:2,9
Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Psalm LXXVII.
... people Thy power." [3507] Thence this congregation of Asaph leaping over ... hast redeemed
in Thine arm Thy people, the sons of Israel and of Joseph." How as ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvii.htm

Psalm 77
... To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. 8,6,8,6. ... thou didst redemption
bring; To Jacob's sons, and to the tribes. of Joseph that do spring. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 77.htm

Psalm 78
... Psalm 78. Maschil of Asaph. 8,6,8,6. ... whose sp'rit not stedfast was. ^9The sons of
Ephraim, who nor bows. ... 67Moreover, he the tabernacle. of Joseph did refuse; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 78.htm

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... to the sons of Core, some to Asaph, by men ... worship parricide gods, and say that sons
revolted against ... maintained that Jesus was generated of Joseph and Mary ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

Introduction.
... The Psalmists adopted the designations of David, or Asaph, or the sons of Korah ... Adam,
Noah, Solomon, Abraham; the Last Prayer and Blessing of Joseph, a work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Chapter xxx
... For yoseph may count as an imperfect of 'asaph, "to take ... From what is here said it
appears that Joseph must have ... made to report the birth of Jacob's sons in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... and in the words of righteous Joseph and Daniel ... Psalter is acknowledged, the songs
of the sons of Korah being distinguished from those of Ethan and Asaph. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... the account of Isaac's sacrifice and the history of Joseph; in picturesque ... Abraham,
by Moses, by Heman, by Jeduthun, by Asaph, and the three sons of Korah. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... that the sense may belong to Asaph, which is ... He rejected," he saith, "the tabernacle
of Joseph, and the ... of Jacob wherewith he blessed his sons, he mentioneth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Go, then, I say, tell all men who thou art; Say, I am CHRISTIANA, and my part Is
now, with my four sons, to tell you what It is for men to take a Pilgrims lot. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm