In the Hebrew Bible, Asahel/Ashael is the youngest son of Zeruiah, daughter of Jesse. Asahel was the nephew of King David, as well as the younger brother of both Abishai, David's General, and of Joab. Asahel is mentioned in II Samuel Chapters 2 and 3.

After a battle at Gibeon between Abner, commanding the Army of Ish-bosheth son of Saul and Joab, commanding the Army of David, Asahel pursued Abner while he attempted to escape. Young Asahel, who was "swift of foot, like a gazelle in the open field", soon caught up to the veteran General Abner. Abner begged Asahel to stop pursuing him, but when Asahel refused to desist, Abner drove a spear through Asahel's stomach, and Asahel died on the spot.

Although Joab won the battle, Abner escaped with his life; Asahel was buried in his father's tomb at Bethlehem. In retaliation, Joab murdered Abner with help from his brother Abishai, against the wishes of David.

Asahel/Ashael are based on the Hebrew words Ish and Elohim meaning, Man of God.