Amasa
PeopleWhat 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
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Amasa." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/amasa/