from עָמַס and יָהּ; Jah has loaded; Amasjah, an Israelite; Amasiah.
Transliteration:ʻĂmaçyâh
Pronunciation:am-as-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name H6007 עֲמַסְיָה (ʻĂmaçyâh), transliterated as Amasiah or Amasjah, is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb עָמַס (`{{H6006}}`, 'amas), meaning "to load, to lay a burden upon," and the divine element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`, Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, the name literally signifies "Jah has loaded" or "Yahweh has borne a burden."
The semantic range of "loaded" can encompass several nuances. It might refer to:
1. **Divine Imposition of Responsibility:** God has placed a task, duty, or burden upon an individual. This could imply a divine calling or a specific role.
2. **Divine Bestowal of Blessings/Gifts:** God has "loaded" or endowed someone with blessings, strength, or capabilities.
3. **Divine Bearing of Burdens:** Less commonly, it could suggest that Yahweh Himself has taken on a burden for the individual, though this interpretation is less direct given the active voice of "has loaded."
4. **Divine Sustenance/Provision:** God has "loaded" someone with what is necessary for life or service.
In the context of personal names, the first two interpretations are most prevalent, emphasizing God's active role in the life and destiny of the one named.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Amasiah appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **A Levite Ancestor:** In [[1 Chronicles 6:45]], Amasiah is listed in a genealogy of the Levites, specifically as the son of Elkanah and an ancestor of Heman, a prominent temple musician appointed by David. This occurrence is purely genealogical, serving to establish lineage within the Levitical priesthood. While the context does not elaborate on this Amasiah's life, his inclusion in such a significant lineage subtly connects the meaning of his name to God's careful ordering and provision for the temple service through generations.
2. **A Commander under Jehoshaphat:** The more prominent occurrence is in [[2 Chronicles 17:16]], where Amasiah, son of Zichri, is identified as one of the "commanders of thousands" under King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He is noted for "willingly offering himself unto the LORD" and commanded 200,000 mighty men. This detail is highly significant. The phrase "willingly offered himself unto the LORD" (הִתְנַדֵּב לַיהוָה, *hitnaddēḇ lYHWH*) suggests a profound personal devotion and commitment to God's service. In light of his name, "Jah has loaded," it can be understood that God had indeed "loaded" Amasiah with leadership capabilities, military strength, and a spirit of devotion. His willingness to serve aligns perfectly with the idea of a divine burden or calling being placed upon him, which he embraced rather than resisted. His leadership of a large contingent of soldiers further underscores the "loading" of responsibility and capability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb עָמַס (`{{H6006}}`), which appears in various contexts in the Hebrew Bible. It is used to describe:
* Carrying physical burdens, such as those placed on animals ([[Genesis 44:13]]) or people ([[Nehemiah 13:15]]).
* The burden of God's presence or commands ([[Numbers 11:11]], where Moses feels the burden of leading the people).
* Figuratively, the weight of a message or prophecy (though מַשָּׂא, *massāʼ*, is more common for this).
The divine element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`) is ubiquitous in Hebrew names, affirming God's active involvement in the lives of His people. Examples include Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh will exalt"), and Zechariah ("Yahweh remembers"). The presence of Yah in Amasiah signifies that the "loading" or "burden-bearing" is specifically an act of the God of Israel.
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Calling and Vocation:** God often places specific tasks or responsibilities upon individuals.
* **Divine Empowerment:** When God "loads" someone with a task, He also provides the strength and resources to fulfill it.
* **Voluntary Service:** As seen in Amasiah of 2 Chronicles, the divine "loading" can be met with a willing and devoted response.
* **Providence:** The name speaks to God's sovereign hand in shaping individual lives and destinies.
### Theological Significance
The name Amasiah, "Jah has loaded," carries profound theological significance, particularly when viewed through the lens of the faithful commander in 2 Chronicles. It speaks to several aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
1. **God as the Initiator:** The name emphasizes God as the active agent who "loads" or places responsibilities. This highlights divine sovereignty and initiative in human affairs. It is not man who chooses a burden and then asks God to bless it, but God who places the burden or gift.
2. **Divine Purpose and Calling:** Every individual, particularly those named with theophoric elements, can be seen as having a divine purpose. Amasiah's military leadership and spiritual devotion exemplify a life "loaded" with purpose by God.
3. **God's Trust and Investment:** To "load" someone implies a degree of trust and investment. God entrusts individuals with capacities, resources, and responsibilities, expecting them to be stewarded faithfully.
4. **The Nature of Service:** The name suggests that service to God is not merely a human endeavor but a divine enablement. The strength, numbers, or willingness come ultimately from God, who "loads" His servants for His work.
5. **Burden and Blessing Intertwined:** The concept of "burden" in the Bible is not always negative; it can refer to a weighty responsibility or a significant gift. Amasiah's name suggests that the "burden" God places can be a source of strength and honor, especially when met with willing obedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew name H6007 עֲמַסְיָה (ʻĂmaçyâh), meaning "Jah has loaded" or "Yahweh has borne a burden," is a rich theophoric name. Its etymology combines the verb עָמַס (`{{H6006}}`, "to load") with the divine name יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`, Yahweh). While one Amasiah is noted genealogically in [[1 Chronicles 6:45]], the more significant biblical figure is Amasiah, son of Zichri, a mighty commander under King Jehoshaphat, who "willingly offered himself unto the LORD" ([[2 Chronicles 17:16]]). This latter context illuminates the name's meaning, suggesting that God had "loaded" Amasiah with leadership, strength, and a spirit of devotion for His service. The name thus underscores God's active role in bestowing responsibilities, capabilities, and purpose upon individuals, and the blessed response of those who willingly embrace the divine "loading" for the glory of Yahweh. It serves as a testament to divine calling, empowerment, and the profound connection between God's initiative and human faithfulness.
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