Amasa

Burden. (1.) The son of Abigail, a sister of king David (1 Chr. 2:17; 2 Sam. 17:25). He was appointed by David to command the army in room of his cousin Joab (2 Sam. 19:13), who afterwards treacherously put him to death as a dangerous rival (2 Sam. 20:4-12). (2.) A son of Hadlai, and chief of Ephraim (2 Chr. 28:12) in the reign of Ahaz.

(a burden).

AM'ASA (a burden). 1. A son of Jether (or Ithra) and Abigail, and nephew of David. He joined in Absalom's rebellion, and was appointed his commander-in-chief. 2 Sam 17:25. Being defeated by Joab, and Absalom being killed, he submitted to David, and was made captain of the host in room of Joab, his cousin, whose part in the death of Absalom and general lack of respect brought him into disfavor. When Sheba revolted David sent Amasa to assemble the people within three days, but his tardiness, owing, perhaps, to his unpopularity, obliged David to despatch his household troops under Abishai in pursuit of the rebel. Joab joined his brother, and meeting Amasa on the latter's return, under pretence of saluting him killed him and put himself again in supreme command. 2 Sam 20:10. See Joab. A prince of Ephraim, son of Hadlai, in the reign of Ahaz. 2 Chr 28:12.

sparing the people

AM'ASA (a burden). 1. A son of Jether (or Ithra) and Abigail, and nephew of David. He joined in Absalom's rebellion, and was appointed his commander-in-chief. 2 Sam 17:25. Being defeated by Joab, and Absalom being killed, he submitted to David, and was made captain of the host in room of Joab, his cousin, whose part in the death of Absalom and general lack of respect brought him into disfavor. When Sheba revolted David sent Amasa to assemble the people within three days, but his tardiness, owing, perhaps, to his unpopularity, obliged David to despatch his household troops under Abishai in pursuit of the rebel. Joab joined his brother, and meeting Amasa on the latter's return, under pretence of saluting him killed him and put himself again in supreme command. 2 Sam 20:10. See Joab.