1 Chronicles 2:17

KJV

And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa [was] Jether the Ishmeelite.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abigail {H26} bare {H3205} Amasa {H6021}: and the father {H1} of Amasa {H6021} was Jether {H3500} the Ishmeelite {H3459}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avigayil was the mother of 'Amasa; the father of 'Amasa was Yeter the Yishma'eli.

Berean Standard Bible

Abigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.

American Standard Version

And Abigail bare Amasa; and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:17 is a concise but profoundly significant genealogical entry within the extensive record of the tribe of Judah, establishing the lineage of Amasa, a key figure in David's reign. This verse identifies Amasa's mother as Abigail and his father as Jether the Ishmeelite, providing crucial familial connections that underscore the intricate social fabric of ancient Israel and subtly hint at God's sovereign plan working through diverse backgrounds, even within the chosen line of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapter 2, which meticulously details the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would emerge. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 2:17 follows the listing of Jesse's children and their offspring, including the daughters Zeruiah and Abigail (1 Chronicles 2:16). The identification of Abigail as Amasa's mother directly links Amasa to David's immediate family circle, as Abigail is David's sister (or half-sister, depending on the interpretation of Jesse's daughters). This familial connection is vital for understanding Amasa's later prominence in the narrative of David's kingdom, particularly his role during Absalom's rebellion and subsequent appointment as commander, as recounted in [2 Samuel 17:25](/2_samuel/17-25 "2 Samuel 17:25 - Amasa's Appointment by Absalom") and [2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David's Appointment of Amasa"). The Chronicler's careful documentation here serves to establish the legitimacy and background of figures important to the Davidic dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as foundational documents for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, priestly succession, and, crucially, the lineage of the promised Messiah. In the post-exilic period, when the book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled, these records were even more vital for the returning community to re-establish their identity, claim ancestral lands, and confirm their place within God's covenant people. The mention of Jether as an "Ishmeelite" is particularly noteworthy. Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar ([Genesis 16:15](/genesis/16-15 "Genesis 16:15 - Birth of Ishmael")), and were generally considered distinct from the Israelites. This intermarriage into a prominent Judahite family highlights the complex social and ethnic interactions that occurred in ancient Israel, suggesting a degree of integration and fluidity that sometimes transcended strict tribal or national boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording in 1 Chronicles 2:17 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the **genealogical precision** and **continuity** that the Chronicler emphasizes, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Judah, from which the Davidic dynasty would spring. Secondly, the inclusion of Jether the "Ishmeelite" subtly introduces the theme of **inclusion and intermarriage**, indicating that God's plan was not always confined to ethnically pure lines, and that individuals from diverse backgrounds could be incorporated into significant roles within Israel. This foreshadows a broader, more inclusive scope for God's people. Finally, even in such a brief entry, the verse speaks to **God's sovereign oversight** of history, demonstrating His meticulous attention to individuals and their connections, all contributing to His unfolding redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abigail (Hebrew, _'Avigayil'_):** In this context, Abigail is identified as one of Jesse's daughters, and thus a sister (or half-sister) to David, as established in [1 Chronicles 2:16](/1_chronicles/2-16 "1 Chronicles 2:16 - Jesse's Daughters"). It is crucial to distinguish her from Abigail, David's wife from Carmel ([1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - Abigail of Carmel")). This Abigail's significance lies in her direct familial link to David, making her son Amasa David's nephew or cousin. This connection is vital for understanding Amasa's later political and military roles within David's kingdom.
* **Amasa (Hebrew, _'Amasa'_):** Amasa is the son born to Abigail and Jether. While only mentioned here genealogically, his future prominence is implicitly acknowledged by the Chronicler's inclusion of his lineage. Amasa would later serve as commander of Absalom's army during his rebellion against David and was subsequently appointed commander of David's army, though his life ended tragically ([2 Samuel 17:25](/2_samuel/17-25 "2 Samuel 17:25 - Amasa, Absalom's Commander") and [2 Samuel 20:10](/2_samuel/20-10 "2 Samuel 20:10 - Joab Kills Amasa")). His inclusion in this precise genealogical record highlights the Chronicler's interest in key figures connected to the Davidic line.
* **Ishmeelite (Hebrew, _Yishma'eli'_):** This term refers to a descendant of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. The designation of Jether as an "Ishmeelite" indicates his non-Israelite origin. This detail is significant because it shows that even within the meticulously recorded genealogies of Judah, intermarriage with non-Israelites occurred. It suggests a degree of social integration and highlights that God's plan could involve individuals from outside the strict ethnic boundaries of Israel, even in the lineage of prominent figures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abigail bare Amasa":** This clause establishes the maternal lineage of Amasa, directly connecting him to Abigail, who is identified in the preceding verse as a sister of Zeruiah and Joab, and thus a close relative of King David. This maternal link is paramount, placing Amasa within the prominent family of Jesse's descendants, which would become the royal line. The act of "bearing" signifies the crucial role of the mother in establishing a child's identity and place within the family structure.
* **"and the father of Amasa [was] Jether the Ishmeelite":** This clause provides the paternal lineage, identifying Jether as Amasa's father and, importantly, specifying his ethnic origin as "Ishmeelite." The inclusion of this detail is deliberate and significant. It highlights a marital union between a Judahite woman from a prominent family and a man of non-Israelite descent. This detail, though brief, underscores the complex social and ethnic tapestry of ancient Israel and suggests that God's purposes were not always confined to ethnically pure lines, even within the sacred lineage of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:17, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 1-9, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names and lineages serves to establish historical continuity, tribal identity, and the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy. The verse also employs **Conciseness** and **Economy of Language**, typical of genealogical records, where a vast amount of information about familial relationships and origins is conveyed in the fewest possible words. While not a direct narrative, the mention of Amasa's parentage subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at his future significance in the Davidic narrative, which the Chronicler's audience would have known from the books of Samuel. Furthermore, the specific inclusion of "Ishmeelite" might be seen as an instance of **Thematic Inclusivity**, subtly introducing the idea that God's plan can incorporate diverse elements, even those from outside the immediate covenant community, into its grand design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:17, though a mere genealogical entry, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the Chronicler's deep concern for the continuity and purity of the Davidic line, from which the Messiah would come. God's faithfulness is evident in His meticulous preservation of these lineages, ensuring that His promises to David would be fulfilled through specific individuals. The inclusion of Jether the "Ishmeelite" is particularly poignant; it subtly broadens the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond strict ethnic boundaries, demonstrating His sovereignty over all peoples and His ability to incorporate diverse elements into His chosen family. This hints at a truth that would become fully manifest in the New Covenant: God's grace extends to all who believe, regardless of their background. The seemingly mundane details of ancestry are, in God's hands, threads in a grand tapestry of salvation history, meticulously woven to bring about His ultimate purposes.

* [1 Chronicles 2:16](/1_chronicles/2-16 "1 Chronicles 2:16 - Jesse's Daughters and Their Offspring")
* [2 Samuel 17:25](/2_samuel/17-25 "2 Samuel 17:25 - Amasa's Role in Absalom's Rebellion")
* [Genesis 16:15](/genesis/16-15 "Genesis 16:15 - The Birth of Ishmael")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values immediate impact and grand gestures, 1 Chronicles 2:17 reminds us of the profound significance of seemingly small details and the quiet, consistent work of God across generations. This verse, nestled within a long list of names, speaks to God's meticulous oversight of every life and lineage. It encourages us to recognize that our own lives, our families, and our unique backgrounds are not accidental but are part of a larger divine narrative. Just as Jether the Ishmeelite was woven into the fabric of Judah's lineage, God can use anyone, from any background, to accomplish His purposes. This should inspire us to embrace our own stories, knowing that God is sovereignly at work in every detail. It also calls us to a broader vision of God's kingdom, one that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, welcoming all who come to Him through faith. We are invited to see ourselves as part of this ongoing, intricate story of redemption, where every individual plays a part, however seemingly small, in the unfolding of God's glorious plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do seemingly insignificant details, like genealogical entries, in Scripture reveal God's meticulous and long-term plan for humanity?**
* **What does the inclusion of "Jether the Ishmeelite" in a prominent Judahite lineage teach us about God's broader redemptive purposes and His inclusiveness?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own spiritual lineage—rooted in Christ—shape your identity, purpose, and view of others?**

### FAQ
**Who was Abigail in this verse, and how is she related to King David?**

Answer: The Abigail mentioned in [1 Chronicles 2:17](/1_chronicles/2-17 "1 Chronicles 2:17 - Amasa's Parents") is not King David's wife, Abigail of Carmel ([1 Samuel 25:3](/1_samuel/25-3 "1 Samuel 25:3 - David Marries Abigail")). Instead, she is identified in the preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 2:16](/1_chronicles/2-16 "1 Chronicles 2:16 - Jesse's Daughters"), as a sister of Zeruiah, both of whom are daughters of Jesse, or at least closely associated with his family. This makes Abigail King David's sister (or half-sister), and thus Amasa, her son, was David's nephew or cousin. This familial connection is crucial for understanding Amasa's later prominent, albeit complex, role in David's kingdom, including his command of Absalom's army and his subsequent appointment by David as commander ([2 Samuel 17:25](/2_samuel/17-25 "2 Samuel 17:25 - Amasa as Absalom's Commander")).

**Why is Jether being an "Ishmeelite" important in this genealogical record?**

Answer: The designation of Jether as an "Ishmeelite" is significant because it highlights the reality of intermarriage between Israelites and non-Israelites, even within prominent families of the tribe of Judah. Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar ([Genesis 16:15](/genesis/16-15 "Genesis 16:15 - Birth of Ishmael")), and were generally considered distinct from the covenant people of Israel. Jether's inclusion as the father of Amasa, a key figure in David's reign, underscores that God's sovereign plan is not limited by strict ethnic or national boundaries. It suggests a broader scope for God's work, demonstrating His ability to incorporate individuals from diverse backgrounds into the unfolding of His redemptive purposes, even within the sacred lineage that would lead to the Messiah. This detail subtly foreshadows the future inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 2:17, a seemingly minor genealogical detail, points profoundly to Christ in several ways. The meticulous record-keeping of Judah's lineage, of which this verse is a part, ultimately serves to establish the authentic human ancestry of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The Chronicler's emphasis on the Davidic line, even through its complex and sometimes unexpected branches, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of an eternal king from David's house ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David")). The inclusion of Jether the Ishmeelite, a non-Israelite, in this sacred lineage is a powerful foreshadowing of the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. Just as an "outsider" was woven into the fabric of the Davidic family, so too would Christ break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). The genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), likewise include diverse and sometimes unexpected figures (like Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah's wife), demonstrating that God's grace transcends human categories and embraces all who are called. Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:17, in its quiet precision, affirms God's sovereign plan to bring forth the Messiah through a divinely orchestrated lineage that ultimately welcomes all nations into His family through faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 17:25

And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa [was] a man's son, whose name [was] Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

1 Kings 2:32

And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing [thereof, to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

2 Samuel 19:13

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.

1 Kings 2:5

Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, [and] what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and in his shoes that [were] on his feet.

2 Samuel 20:4

¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

2 Samuel 20:12

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.