### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻĂmâsâʼ**, represented by `{{H6021}}`, is derived from a root meaning **burden**. It appears **16 times** across **12 unique verses** and is the name given to two Israelites. The most prominent individual named **Amasa** is a military commander whose story is deeply embedded in the political turmoil during the latter part of King David's reign.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary narrative figure of **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` was the son of Jether the Ishmeelite and Abigail, making him a cousin to Joab ([[1 Chronicles 2:17]], [[2 Samuel 17:25]]). He was first appointed **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **host** `{{H6635}}` by Absalom in place of Joab [[2 Samuel 17:25]]. After Absalom's defeat, King David offered **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` the permanent position of captain to win back the loyalty of Judah [[2 Samuel 19:13]]. However, when tasked to **assemble** `{{H2199}}` the men of Judah, he tarried [[2 Samuel 20:5]]. This delay led to a fateful encounter with Joab, who feigned a peaceful greeting before he **smote** `{{H5221}}` **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` with a **sword** `{{H2719}}`, causing him to **die** `{{H4191}}` [[2 Samuel 20:10]]. David later condemned this act, remembering **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` as one of two men more **righteous** `{{H6662}}` and **better** `{{H2896}}` than Joab [[1 Kings 2:32]]. A second, less prominent **Amasa** `{{H6021}}`, son of Hadlai, is mentioned as a head of Ephraim who stood against the warriors returning from battle [[2 Chronicles 28:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the narrative of **Amasa** `{{H6021}}`:
* `{{H3097}}` **Yôwʼâb** (Joab): Defined as "Jehovah-fathered; Joab," he was Amasa's cousin and murderer. His actions against Amasa and Abner are recalled as treacherous deeds that shed the **blood** `{{H1818}}` of **war** `{{H4421}}` in **peace** `{{H7965}}` [[1 Kings 2:5]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (captain): Meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain... general," this was the title and position of authority that Amasa held under Absalom and was promised by David, placing him in direct rivalry with Joab [[2 Samuel 19:13]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word for "a cutting instrument... as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement" refers to the weapon Joab used to murder **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` while pretending to greet him [[2 Samuel 20:10]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning loyalty and justice.
* **Political Treachery:** The narrative is a stark example of betrayal for power. Joab's murder of **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` was carried out under the guise of a brotherly greeting, a profound deception that secured his military command [[2 Samuel 20:9-10]].
* **The Price of Power:** Amasa's acceptance of the role of **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the host made him a target. His violent end shows the dangerous consequences of ambition and political maneuvering in David's kingdom [[2 Samuel 19:13]].
* **Righteousness and Injustice:** King David's later testimony frames the event as the unjust killing of a **righteous** `{{H6662}}` man. The Lord is called upon to return Joab's **blood** `{{H1818}}` upon his own head for slaying men **better** `{{H2896}}` than himself [[1 Kings 2:32]].
* **The Burden of Command:** The name's origin, meaning "burden," aptly describes the heavy weight of leadership **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` undertook. This burden led directly to his **death** `{{H4191}}`, as he was left wallowing in his own **blood** `{{H1818}}` on the highway [[2 Samuel 20:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻĂmâsâʼ** `{{H6021}}` is primarily the name of a key military figure whose life and death are a pivotal event in the biblical record of David's reign. His story is not just a historical account but a powerful illustration of betrayal, the brutal pursuit of power, and the shedding of innocent **blood** `{{H1818}}`. The narrative of **Amasa** `{{H6021}}` serves as a lasting testament to the internal conflicts and moral complexities that defined that era of Israel's history.
TRV