Topical Encyclopedia Jether, also known as Ithra, is a somewhat obscure figure in the biblical narrative, yet his connections to significant individuals in the history of Israel make him a noteworthy character. He is identified as an Ishmaelite, which places him among the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. This lineage is significant as it highlights the diverse familial and tribal connections present in the biblical accounts.Jether's most notable connection is through his marriage to Abigail, the sister of King David. This relationship is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:17, which states, "Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite." Through this union, Jether became the father of Amasa, who would later play a crucial role in the political and military landscape of Israel. Amasa, Jether's son, was appointed by Absalom, David's son, as the commander of the army during Absalom's rebellion against David. This appointment is recorded in 2 Samuel 17:25: "Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether the Ishmaelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab." This passage highlights the complex family dynamics and political alliances that characterized the period of David's reign. The dual naming of Jether as Ithra in some biblical texts, such as 2 Samuel 17:25, has led to discussions among scholars regarding the reasons for this variation. Some suggest that "Ithra" may be a variant or alternative form of the name "Jether," while others propose that it could reflect a different cultural or linguistic context. Jether's identity as an Ishmaelite and his marriage into the family of David illustrate the interconnectedness of different tribes and peoples within the biblical narrative. His account, though brief, serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and relationships that contributed to the unfolding history of Israel as recorded in the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 17:25And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. Nave's Topical Index Resources Does the Bible mention David's mother? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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