Ithra
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Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:
Ithra is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's family lineage. His name appears in the genealogical records, highlighting his connection to some of the notable figures in the history of Israel. The name "Ithra" is believed to mean "abundance" or "advantage," reflecting a positive connotation in the Hebrew language.

Biblical References:
Ithra is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:25, where he is identified as the father of Amasa. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Israelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab."

Genealogical Context:
Ithra's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily through his son, Amasa. Amasa was appointed by Absalom to lead the army during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This appointment was a strategic move, as Amasa was related to David, being his nephew. Ithra's marriage to Abigail, the daughter of Nahash, further intertwines his lineage with the royal family. Abigail is also noted as the sister of Zeruiah, making Ithra the brother-in-law of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab, one of David's chief military commanders.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The mention of Ithra as an "Israelite" in 2 Samuel 17:25 is significant, as it distinguishes him from other ethnic groups mentioned in the Old Testament. Some manuscripts and translations refer to him as "Jether the Ishmaelite," suggesting a possible variation or textual discrepancy in his ethnic identification. This has led to discussions among scholars regarding his precise background, though the prevailing view in conservative circles is to maintain the integrity of the text as it appears in the BSB.

Theological Implications:
Ithra's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves to highlight the complex familial and political dynamics within King David's reign. His connection to Amasa and the subsequent events during Absalom's rebellion underscore the themes of loyalty, kinship, and the consequences of familial discord. Ithra's account, through his descendants, reflects the broader narrative of God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan through the lineage of David.

Related Figures:
· Amasa: Son of Ithra, appointed by Absalom as commander of the army.
· Abigail: Wife of Ithra, daughter of Nahash, and sister of Zeruiah.
· Zeruiah: Sister-in-law of Ithra, mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel.
· Joab: Nephew of Ithra, a prominent military leader under King David.

Conclusion:
Ithra's role, though not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, is integral to understanding the familial relationships that influenced the political and military landscape of Israel during King David's reign. His legacy is primarily carried through his son Amasa, whose actions and fate are recorded in the biblical narrative.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ithra

(excellence), an Israelite, (2 Samuel 17:25) or Ishmaelite, (1 Chronicles 2:17) the father of Amasa by Abigail, David's sister. (B.C. before 1023.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ITHRA

ith'-ra (yithra', "abundance"): The father of Amasa, commanding general in the rebel army of Absalom. It seems that his mother was Abigail, a sister or half-sister of King David (1 Chronicles 2:17). She is called the sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother (2 Samuel 17:25). In this same passage Ithra is called an "Israelite," but in 1 Chronicles 2:17 1 Kings 2:5, 32, we read: "Jether the Ishmaelite."

Strong's Hebrew
3501. Yithra -- father of Amasa
... 3500, 3501. Yithra. 3502 . father of Amasa. Transliteration: Yithra Phonetic
Spelling: (yith-raw') Short Definition: Ithra. ... Ithra. ...
/hebrew/3501.htm - 6k
Library

The History of Solomon
... on Joab that had been prince of his father's host, because he slew two good men
by treason and guile, that was Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Ithra ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead of Joab his kinsman: his
father was Ithra and his mother Abigail: now she and Zeruiah, the mother of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

Thesaurus
Ithra (1 Occurrence)
...ITHRA. ... In this same passage Ithra is called an "Israelite," but in 1 Chronicles
2:17 1 Kings 2:5, 32, we read: "Jether the Ishmaelite.". ...
/i/ithra.htm - 7k

Jether (8 Occurrences)
... (2.) The oldest of Gideon's seventy sons (Judges 8:20). (3.) The father of Amasa,
David's general (1 Kings 2:5, 32); called Ithra (2 Samuel 17:25). ...
/j/jether.htm - 11k

Amasa (13 Occurrences)
... (1) According to 2 Samuel 17:25, Amasa is the son of Abigail, the sister of Zeruiah
and David, and Ithra, an Israelite; but another source, 1 Chronicles 2:17 ...
/a/amasa.htm - 13k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in
to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. ...
/z/zeruiah.htm - 17k

Jesraelite (1 Occurrence)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. (See JPS). ...
/j/jesraelite.htm - 6k

Joab's (13 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in
to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. ...
/j/joab's.htm - 10k

Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in
to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/j/jo'ab's.htm - 8k

Ithnan (1 Occurrence)

/i/ithnan.htm - 6k

Ithran (3 Occurrences)

/i/ithran.htm - 7k

Resources
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Ithnan: A Town in the Extreme South of Judah
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