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Amasa

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âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Amasa was the son of Jether, an Ishmaelite, and the nephew of King David through his mother Abigail. He was appointed by David to command the royal army in place of Joab following the rebellion of Absalom, but was subsequently murdered by Joab to regain his position.

What is the meaning of Amasa in the Bible?

Amasa was the son of Jether, an Ishmaelite, and the nephew of King David through his mother Abigail. He was appointed by David to command the royal army in place of Joab following the rebellion of Absalom, but was subsequently murdered by Joab to regain his position.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Amasa's role clarifies the political maneuvering within David's court and illustrates the tension between royal authority and established military leadership in the biblical narrative.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Amasa reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Amasa in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Amasa clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

"Amasa." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/amasa/
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