Amasa: Nephew of David: Returns to David, and is Made Captain of the Host
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Amasa, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is noted for his familial connection to King David and his role in the military leadership of Israel. He is the son of Abigail, David's sister, making him David's nephew. His father is Jether the Ishmaelite, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:17. Amasa's account is intertwined with the political and military upheavals during King David's reign.

Return to David and Appointment as Captain of the Host

Amasa's most notable involvement in the biblical narrative occurs during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. Initially, Amasa is appointed as the commander of Absalom's army, replacing Joab, who was the commander of David's forces. This appointment is mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:25: "Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether the Ishmaelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab."

After Absalom's defeat and death, David seeks to reconcile the divided kingdom and restore unity among the tribes of Israel. In a strategic move to win the loyalty of those who had supported Absalom, David offers Amasa the position of commander over his own army, effectively replacing Joab. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 19:13: "And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army from now on in place of Joab!’"

David's decision to appoint Amasa as the captain of the host is a calculated effort to consolidate his rule and demonstrate magnanimity towards former adversaries. It reflects David's political acumen in dealing with the aftermath of civil strife and his desire to heal the rift within the nation.

Amasa's Fate

Despite his new position, Amasa's tenure as commander is short-lived. In the subsequent conflict with Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite who leads a rebellion against David, Amasa is tasked with assembling the men of Judah to quell the insurrection. However, he delays in fulfilling this duty, as noted in 2 Samuel 20:5: "So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him."

This delay provides Joab, who harbors resentment over being replaced, an opportunity to act. Joab deceitfully approaches Amasa under the guise of friendship and kills him, as described in 2 Samuel 20:9-10: "Joab said to Amasa, 'Are you well, my brother?' And with his right hand Joab took Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach, spilling his intestines to the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died."

Amasa's death is a stark reminder of the brutal and often treacherous nature of political and military life in ancient Israel. His account highlights the complexities of loyalty, power, and the consequences of political maneuvering during King David's reign.
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2 Samuel 19:13
And say you to Amasa, Are you not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
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Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible mention David's mother? | GotQuestions.org

What exactly is a holy kiss? | GotQuestions.org

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Amasa: Nephew of David: Joins Absalom
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