Amasa, a name often overshadowed by the great figures of Israel’s monarchy, was a pivotal, yet tragic, character whose life was inextricably linked to the turbulent reigns of King David and his ambitious son, Absalom. His story is a powerful illustration of the consequences of political ambition, family loyalty, and the sharp, unpredictable turn of events that defined the early kingdom of Israel.
👑 Family Ties and Divided Loyalties
Amasa was the son of Jether (or Ithra) the Ishmaelite and Abigail, who was the daughter of Nahash (or Jesse) and the sister of Zeruaiah. This made him the nephew of King David and the first cousin of David’s loyal but often volatile general, Joab.
This deep family connection placed Amasa in a high-stakes position during the most challenging period of David’s reign: the rebellion led by Absalom. When Absalom successfully usurped the throne and forced David to flee Jerusalem, he needed a general to command his revolutionary army. In a direct challenge to David and his military structure, Absalom chose Amasa to lead his forces, effectively replacing Joab as commander-in-chief (2 Samuel 17:25, KJV).
⚔️ The Brief Command and the Battle of Ephraim Wood
Amasa’s tenure as commander for Absalom was short-lived. His army was defeated by the loyalist forces led by Joab in the Battle of Ephraim Wood (2 Samuel 18:6-8, KJV). Although Amasa was not the commander of the victorious army, his familial relationship and military experience would soon lead to an even greater—and more dangerous—appointment.
Following Absalom’s death and the subsequent end of the rebellion, King David, in an act of political reconciliation (and perhaps resentment toward the overreaching Joab), sought to win the loyalty of the remaining rebels. David made a fateful promise to Amasa:
“And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.” (2 Samuel 19:13, KJV)
Thus, Amasa was elevated to the highest military position, becoming the new Captain of the Host of Israel under King David.
🗡️ The Fall of Amasa
Amasa’s new command was tested immediately by the rebellion of Sheba, the son of Bichri (2 Samuel 20:1-2, KJV). David tasked Amasa with assembling the men of Judah and pursuing Sheba.
However, Amasa was slow to execute the order, failing to gather his forces within the time allotted by the King (2 Samuel 20:5, KJV). Impatient and sensing the danger of delay, David instead commanded Abishai (Joab’s brother) to lead the pursuit.
When Joab and Abishai caught up with Amasa at the great stone in Gibeon, the scene was set for a deadly confrontation. Joab, who deeply resented being replaced and likely saw Amasa as incompetent and a threat to his power, approached his cousin under the guise of peace:
“And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the knife that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.” (2 Samuel 20:9-10, KJV)
In a manner reminiscent of his earlier assassination of Abner, Joab cunningly and ruthlessly murdered Amasa, securing his own position as David’s chief general once more. Amasa was buried, and his brief, influential, and ultimately tragic life came to a violent end, demonstrating the harsh, unforgiving nature of power in ancient times.