Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the armyIn this phrase, we see Absalom, David's son, making a strategic decision to appoint Amasa as the commander of his forces. The Hebrew root for "appointed" (שׂוּם, sum) implies setting or placing someone in a position of authority. This decision reflects Absalom's attempt to consolidate power and establish his own leadership distinct from his father, King David. Historically, this move signifies a shift in military allegiance, as Amasa was chosen over Joab, David's loyal commander. This choice may have been intended to secure loyalty from those who were discontent with Joab's leadership or to strengthen Absalom's claim to the throne by aligning with different factions within Israel. in place of Joab
Joab, a seasoned and formidable military leader, had been a key figure in David's reign. The phrase "in place of Joab" indicates a significant change in military leadership. Joab's removal could be seen as a political maneuver by Absalom to distance himself from his father's administration and to assert his own authority. Joab's reputation for ruthlessness and his close ties to David might have made him a liability for Absalom's rebellion. This change also highlights the tension and division within the kingdom, as loyalties were tested and realigned during this period of civil strife. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether the Ishmaelite
The mention of Amasa's lineage is significant. "Jether the Ishmaelite" connects Amasa to the broader narrative of Israel's history. The Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar, and were often seen as outsiders to the covenant community of Israel. This detail may suggest that Amasa's appointment was a strategic move to garner support from groups outside the traditional Israelite tribes, reflecting the complex social and political landscape of the time. who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash
Abigail's mention provides insight into the familial connections that influenced political alliances. The name "Nahash" is intriguing, as it is associated with a king of the Ammonites, suggesting possible ties or alliances with neighboring nations. Abigail's marriage to Jether and her connection to Nahash may have played a role in Amasa's rise to power, as marriages often served to strengthen political alliances and secure loyalty among different groups. and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab
This phrase highlights the intricate family dynamics at play. Zeruiah, David's sister, was the mother of Joab, making Amasa and Joab cousins. This familial relationship adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as it underscores the personal and familial conflicts that were intertwined with the political struggles of the time. The mention of these family ties serves to remind readers of the deeply personal nature of the conflict, as it was not just a battle for power but also a struggle within a family. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. AmasaAppointed by Absalom as the commander of the army, replacing Joab. He was a relative of Joab, being his cousin. 3. JoabThe original commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, though often acting with violence and ambition. 4. Jether the IshmaeliteAmasa's father, indicating a mixed heritage, which may have influenced Amasa's loyalties and position. 5. Abigail and ZeruiahSisters, with Abigail being Amasa's mother and Zeruiah being Joab's mother, highlighting the familial connections and potential for divided loyalties. Teaching Points Family Dynamics and LoyaltyThe passage highlights the complexity of family relationships and loyalties. In our lives, we must navigate these dynamics with wisdom and seek God's guidance to maintain unity and peace. Leadership and AuthorityAbsalom's appointment of Amasa over Joab shows the shifting nature of leadership. As Christians, we should respect God-ordained authority and seek to lead with integrity and humility. Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against David serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and ambition. We should guard our hearts against rebellion against God's established order. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human schemes and conflicts, God's purposes prevail. We can trust in His sovereignty and seek His will in all circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the family connections between Amasa, Joab, and Absalom influence the events in 2 Samuel 17:25, and what can we learn about handling family conflicts from this? 2. In what ways does the appointment of Amasa reflect the broader theme of loyalty and betrayal in the account of Absalom's rebellion? How can we apply this to our understanding of loyalty in our own lives? 3. Considering the consequences of Absalom's rebellion, what lessons can we draw about the importance of aligning our ambitions with God's will? 4. How does the shifting leadership from Joab to Amasa illustrate the challenges of authority and leadership? What biblical principles can guide us in positions of leadership? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a change in leadership or authority. How did you respond, and what biblical insights can help you navigate such changes in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 2:16-17Provides additional genealogical details about Amasa and his family, confirming his relation to Joab and the broader family dynamics. 2 Samuel 19:13David's later offer to Amasa to replace Joab as commander of his army, showing David's strategic moves to unify the kingdom after Absalom's rebellion. Matthew 10:36Jesus speaks of familial divisions, which can be related to the divided loyalties seen in David's family and the broader implications of following God's will. People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Abigail, Abigal, Ab'igal, Absalom, Ab'salom, Amasa, Ama'sa, Appointed, Army, Captain, Daughter, Host, Instead, Ishmaelite, Ish'maelite, Israelite, Ithra, Jesraelite, Jesse, Jether, Jithra, Joab, Jo'ab, Joab's, Jo'ab's, Lover, Man's, Married, Nahash, Named, Sister, Zeruiah, Zeru'iahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:23 4633 donkey
5067 suicide
5241 burial
5331 hanging
5340 house
5485 punishment, legal aspects
9050 tombs
9614 hope, results of absence 2 Samuel 17:21-23 5779 advice Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken BreadThe Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope.
To the Same Hildebert, Who Had Not Yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. He exhorts him to recognise Innocent, now an exile in France, owing to the schism of Peter Leonis, as the rightful Pontiff. To the great prelate, most exalted in renown, Hildebert, by the grace of God Archbishop of Tours, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that he may walk in the Spirit, and spiritually discern all things. 1. To address you in the words of the prophet, Consolation is hid from …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 17:25 NIV2 Samuel 17:25 NLT2 Samuel 17:25 ESV2 Samuel 17:25 NASB2 Samuel 17:25 KJV
2 Samuel 17:25 Commentaries
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