Bible Dictionary
Ithra
Ithra was the father of Amasa, David’s nephew and commander of Absalom’s army. He is called an Israelite in one passage and an Ishmaelite in another.
Definition
Ithra was the father of Amasa by Abigail, a relative of David. He is called an Israelite in one passage and an Ishmaelite in another.
Biblical Usage
Ithra is connected with Amasa, who commanded the rebel army of Absalom. The differing descriptions of Ithra occur in the biblical genealogical accounts.
Historical Background
The supplied material gives the meanings “excellence” and “abundance” for the name and dates Ithra before 1023 B.C.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(excellence), an Israelite, (2 Samuel 17:25) or Ishmaelite, (1 Chronicles 2:17) the father of Amasa by Abigail, David’s sister. (B.C. before 1023.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ith'-ra (yithra', "abundance"): The father of Amasa, commanding general in the rebel army of Absalom. It seems that his mother was Abigail, a sister or half-sister of King David (1Ch 2:17). She is called the sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother (2Sa 17:25). In this same passage Ithra is called an "Israelite," but in 1Ch 2:17; 1Ki 2:5,32, we read: "Jether the Ishmaelite."</p>