Illustration created for this project.
Amasa
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 2
Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1
Family & lineage
Tribe & people
BibleOf the tribe of Judah.
2 Samuel 20:10
Life, role & deeds
Scan by NYPL — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Ancient writersThe first-century Jewish historian Josephus recounts Amasa as Absalom's army commander whom David later appointed over his own forces, and his treacherous killing by Joab. Josephus is here retelling the books of Samuel rather than supplying independent evidence, so his account confirms the tradition's early currency but is not an external corroboration.
Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, Book 7 (David's reign; Amasa as Absalom's commander, appointed over David's army, then murdered by Joab), paraphrasing 2 Samuel 17:25 and 19-20; dependent on the biblical account, not external corroboration.
Name & titles
ScholarlyThe Hebrew name Amasa (עֲמָשָׂא) is generally connected to a root meaning "to carry a load," hence "burden" or "burden-bearer," a name-type well attested among West Semitic personal names.
Hebrew onomastics; root '-m-s ("to load/carry").
Where in scripture
2 SamuelBut Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the body, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and didn’t strike him again; and he died. Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.
2 Samuel 20:10 — Killed by Joab
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
Family
In art
