Background and Context

Amasa, the son of Jether (also called Ithra) and Abigail, was a prominent figure during the reign of King David. He was appointed by Absalom as the commander of the army during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David (2 Samuel 17:25). Amasa was a cousin to Joab, David's long-serving military commander, as both were nephews of David. After Absalom's defeat and death, David sought to unify the kingdom and replace Joab with Amasa as the commander of his army (2 Samuel 19:13).

The Assassination

The assassination of Amasa by Joab is a significant event recorded in 2 Samuel 20. Following the rebellion of Sheba, son of Bichri, David instructed Amasa to assemble the men of Judah within three days to pursue Sheba (2 Samuel 20:4). However, Amasa delayed beyond the appointed time, which prompted David to send Abishai, Joab's brother, to pursue Sheba with the king's men (2 Samuel 20:5-6).

As Abishai and Joab's forces pursued Sheba, they encountered Amasa at Gibeon. Joab, who was with Abishai, approached Amasa with deceitful intent. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the encounter: "Joab said to Amasa, 'Is it well with you, my brother?' And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him" (2 Samuel 20:9). This gesture of greeting was a ruse, as Joab held a dagger in his other hand. Without warning, Joab struck Amasa in the stomach, spilling his intestines to the ground, and Amasa died on the spot (2 Samuel 20:10).

Motivations and Implications

Joab's assassination of Amasa can be understood through several lenses. First, it was a calculated move to eliminate a rival and regain his position as the commander of David's army. Joab's actions reflect his ruthless nature and his determination to maintain power and influence within the kingdom. Additionally, Joab may have viewed Amasa's appointment as a betrayal, given Amasa's previous allegiance to Absalom during the rebellion.

The assassination also highlights the turbulent and often violent nature of political and military leadership in ancient Israel. Joab's actions, while effective in removing a rival, further complicated David's efforts to stabilize his reign and unify the nation after the civil strife caused by Absalom's rebellion.

Biblical and Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the assassination of Amasa by Joab serves as a stark reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the prevalence of sin, even among those chosen by God for leadership. Joab's treachery and violence stand in contrast to the ideals of justice and righteousness that are central to the biblical narrative.

The event also underscores the complexities of leadership and the challenges faced by King David in governing a divided and often rebellious people. Despite David's intentions to bring peace and unity, the actions of individuals like Joab reveal the persistent presence of personal ambition and moral failure.

In the broader biblical context, the account of Amasa's assassination invites reflection on the themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of integrity and faithfulness in leadership.2 Samuel 20:9,10
And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
Nave's Topical Index

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Assassination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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