from עָמַס; burden; Amasa, the name of two Israelites; Amasa.
Transliteration:ʻĂmâsâʼ
Pronunciation:am-aw-saw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֲמָשָׂא (ʻĂmâsâʼ, `{{H6021}}`) is a proper noun derived from the verbal root עָמַס ('āmas, `{{H6006}}`), which means "to load," "to carry a burden," or "to impose a burden." Consequently, the name 'Ămâsâʼ inherently carries the meaning of "burden," "burden-bearer," or "one who is loaded." As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to its function as an identifier, but its etymological root provides a rich backdrop for understanding its potential significance within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Amasa, son of Jether/Ithra:** This is the more prominent figure, a nephew of King David, being the son of Abigail, David's sister, and Jether the Ishmaelite (also called Ithra in some texts, e.g., [[2 Samuel 17:25]]).
* Amasa initially joined Absalom's rebellion against David and was appointed commander of Absalom's army, replacing Joab ([[2 Samuel 17:25]]). This act placed him in direct opposition to David.
* After Absalom's defeat, David, seeking to reconcile with the tribe of Judah and perhaps to diminish Joab's influence, offered Amasa the position of commander of his own army in place of Joab ([[2 Samuel 19:13]]). This was a remarkable offer of grace and restoration.
* However, Amasa's delay in gathering the troops, or perhaps Joab's ruthless ambition, led to his demise. Joab, feigning a greeting, treacherously murdered Amasa at the great stone in Gibeon, stabbing him in the stomach ([[2 Samuel 20:8-10]]). Amasa's death underscores the brutal political realities and personal vendettas within David's kingdom.
2. **Amasa, an Ephraimite:** This individual is mentioned only once in the biblical record ([[2 Chronicles 28:12]]).
* He is identified as one of the "heads of the children of Ephraim" during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah.
* Along with other leaders, he confronted the army of Israel (under King Pekah) for taking a large number of captives from Judah. They successfully advocated for the release of these captives, asserting that their brethren should not add to the transgression against the Lord. This act demonstrates a concern for inter-Israelite unity and adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding the treatment of fellow Israelites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb עָמַס ('āmas, `{{H6006}}`), from which 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`) is derived. This root signifies the act of "loading," "carrying," or "burdening."
Concepts related to 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`) include:
* **Responsibility and Leadership:** Both Amasas held positions of leadership, one military and one civic/moral, implying the "burden" of responsibility.
* **Loyalty and Treachery:** The story of David's nephew, Amasa, is replete with themes of shifting loyalties (from David to Absalom, then back to David's offer) and ultimate betrayal (Joab's murder).
* **Consequences of Rebellion:** Amasa's initial alignment with Absalom's rebellion ultimately led to his precarious position and violent end.
* **Inter-tribal Relations:** The Ephraimite Amasa's actions highlight the complex and often strained relationships between the northern and southern kingdoms, as well as moments of righteous intervention.
* **Divine Providence amidst Human Actions:** The narratives involving Amasa illustrate how God's purposes unfold amidst the often-messy realities of human ambition, sin, and political maneuvering.
### Theological Significance
The name 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`), meaning "burden," carries subtle theological resonance for both individuals who bore it.
For Amasa, David's nephew, his life could be seen as embodying various "burdens":
* He bore the burden of significant responsibility as a military commander, first for Absalom and then, briefly, offered by David.
* His actions imposed a burden of conflict and division upon David's kingdom.
* His eventual murder by Joab, a consequence of political intrigue and personal ambition, represents the tragic burden of sin and its destructive power within the covenant community. David's attempt to extend mercy and reconciliation to Amasa was a reflection of divine grace, yet it was thwarted by the persistent "burden" of human sin and vengeance, exemplified by Joab.
For Amasa, the Ephraimite, his name might signify a different kind of "burden":
* He, along with other leaders, took on the burden of advocating for justice and adherence to the Law, challenging the actions of their own people in taking Israelite captives.
* His actions represent a righteous "burden" for the well-being and spiritual integrity of the wider Israelite community, demonstrating a prophetic concern for covenant faithfulness.
In a broader sense, the recurring theme of "burden" associated with the name 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`) can serve as a reminder of the various burdens individuals carry in life—responsibilities, consequences of sin, and the call to righteous action. The biblical narratives demonstrate how these burdens can lead to both tragic downfall and faithful obedience, all within the overarching framework of God's sovereign plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew name 'Ămâsâʼ (`{{H6021}}`), derived from the root 'āmas (`{{H6006}}`), signifies "burden" or "burden-bearer." This name is borne by two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The more prominent is Amasa, David's nephew, whose life tragically unfolds as a narrative of shifting loyalties, military command, and ultimate betrayal and murder by Joab ([[2 Samuel 20:8-10]]). His story embodies the heavy "burdens" of rebellion, political intrigue, and the destructive power of sin within God's people. The second Amasa, an Ephraimite leader, is briefly mentioned for his righteous act of advocating for the release of Judahite captives ([[2 Chronicles 28:12]]), representing a different kind of "burden"—that of moral responsibility and adherence to covenant principles. Together, these accounts illustrate how the etymological meaning of "burden" resonates with the varied responsibilities, consequences, and moral imperatives faced by individuals within the biblical narrative.
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