Asaph

Asaph was a Levite of the Gershomite clan appointed by David as one of the chief musicians in the tabernacle and later the temple service. He stood alongside Heman and Ethan as a master of bronze cymbals, and he is named among those who ministered before the ark when it was brought to Jerusalem. Asaph is credited with twelve psalms — Psalm 50 and Psalms 73 through 83 — which address themes of divine justice, Israel's history, and covenant faithfulness. His descendants, the "sons of Asaph," formed a lasting guild of temple singers who continued their role through the Davidic monarchy, and they are mentioned returning from exile under Zerubbabel and again in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, still singing at the dedication of the walls.