Amasa, Amasai

(1 Chron. 2:17; 2 Sam. 17:25) (burden, weight) — son of Jether, who is everywhere called Ithra the Israelite [as given]. Absalom placed him at the head of his forces during the revolt against his father David, but he was defeated by his cousin Joab. Afterward David, learning of the kinship between them, not only forgave Amasa but even made him commander of his army in Joab’s place. After the revolt of Sheba, David ordered Amasa to gather the people within three days and go with him to put down the rebellion; but because of his delay, the king sent Abishai with such forces as could be gathered in the time given, and together with Joab they pursued Sheba.

At the appointed place, near Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Joab, jealous and offended, approached Amasa as if to greet him, took him by the beard as if to kiss him, and at the same moment gave him a mortal wound. Amasa lay for a time by the road, wallowing in his blood, until he was found and covered with a garment. The murder of Amasa restored to Joab his former high position, and David, it seems, made no attempt at that time to avenge his death. But when he was dying, he charged Solomon to punish Joab for having shed the blood of Amasa and others.