Bible Figure
Amasa
biblical character
Amasa was David's nephew who commanded Absalom's army during the rebellion and was later appointed commander of David's forces before being murdered by Joab.
Biography
Amasa was the son of David's sister Abigail. During Absalom's revolt he served as commander of the rebel army. After Absalom's defeat, David sought to reunify the kingdom and promised Amasa Joab's position as commander. When Sheba son of Bichri led another rebellion, David ordered Amasa to assemble Judah's troops. Amasa was delayed, and David sent Abishai and Joab's men ahead. When Joab met Amasa at Gibeon, he greeted him as a brother and then unexpectedly stabbed him to death. Joab resumed command and pursued Sheba.
Biblical Significance
Amasa's career reflects the tangled family and military politics surrounding David's later reign. His murder was one of the acts of bloodshed for which David instructed Solomon to hold Joab accountable.