[3] He received his bachelor of arts degree in theology and German from Atlantic Union College in 1959.

Hasel was a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, American Academy of Religion, American Schools of Oriental Research, Chicago Society of Biblical Research, International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament and Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters.

His book on the subject is one of just four references listed in the Anchor Bible Dictionary article on the remnant.

Hasel argued that "the Biblical theologian draws his categories, themes, motifs, and concepts from the Biblical text itself," as compared to the systematic theologian who "endeavors to use current philosophies as the basis for his primary categories or themes.

Hasel espoused a "high view" of inspiration [clarification needed] and was opposed to the use of the "purely" historical-critical method of Biblical scholarship.