Topical Encyclopedia
Amasai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his role as a leader and warrior in the service of King David. His name, Amasai, is thought to mean "burdensome" or "the people will rise," reflecting perhaps his significant role in the community or his leadership qualities.
Genealogy and FamilyAmasai is identified as a descendant of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, he is listed among the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. In
1 Chronicles 6:35, Amasai is mentioned in the genealogy of the Levites: "The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai." This lineage underscores his Levitical heritage and his family's longstanding dedication to the service of God.
Role in David's ReignAmasai is most prominently noted for his allegiance to David during a critical period of David's rise to power. In
1 Chronicles 12:18, Amasai is described as the chief of the Thirty, a group of mighty warriors who supported David. The passage highlights a moment of divine inspiration and loyalty: "Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: 'We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.'" This declaration signifies a pivotal moment of support for David, affirming Amasai's commitment and the divine favor upon David's leadership.
Military LeadershipAmasai's role as a leader among David's warriors is further emphasized by his position as the chief of the Thirty. This group was renowned for their bravery and skill in battle, and Amasai's leadership indicates his prowess and respect among his peers. His declaration of loyalty to David, inspired by the Spirit, also suggests a deep spiritual conviction and recognition of God's hand in David's kingship.
LegacyAmasai's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. His willingness to align with David during a tumultuous time in Israel's history reflects a discernment of God's will and a commitment to the anointed king. As a Levite, his actions also demonstrate the integration of spiritual service and military leadership, embodying the dual roles often held by members of the Levitical tribe.
In summary, Amasai is remembered as a key figure in the support of King David, a leader among warriors, and a man moved by the Spirit to affirm God's chosen leader for Israel. His account is a testament to the importance of loyalty, divine inspiration, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through dedicated individuals.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Amasaistrong
ATS Bible Dictionary
AmasaiA Levite, who joined David with thirty gallant men, while in the desert flying from Saul,1 Chronicles 6:25; 12:16-18.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Burdensome.
(1.) A Levite, son of Elkanah, of the ancestry of Samuel (1 Chronicles 6:25, 35).
(2.) The leader of a body of men who joined David in the "stronghold," probably of Adullam (1 Chronicles 12:18).
(3.) One of the priests appointed to precede the ark with blowing of trumpets on its removal from the house of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 15:24).
(4.) The father of a Levite, one of the two Kohathites who took a prominent part at the instance of Hezekiah in the cleansing of the temple (2 Chronicles 29:12).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AMASAIa-ma'-si (`amasay, perhaps rather to be read `ammishay; so Wellhausen, IJG, II, 24, n.2):
(1) A name in the genealogy of Kohath, son of Elkanah, a Levite of the Kohathite family (compare1 Chronicles 6:252 Chronicles 29:12).
(2) Chief of the captains who met David at Ziklag and tendered him their allegiance. Some have identified him with Amasa and others with Abishai, who is called Abshai in1 Chronicles 11:20 m (compare1 Chronicles 18:12). The difficulty is that neither Amasa nor Abishai occupied the rank of the chief of thirty according to the lists in2 Samuel 23 and1 Chronicles 11, the rank to which David is supposed to have appointed into (compare1 Chronicles 12:18).
(3) One of the trumpet-blowing priests who greeted David when he brought back the Ark of the Covenant (compare1 Chronicles 15:24).
Strong's Hebrew
6022. Amasay -- the name of several Israelites... Amasay. 6023 . the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Amasay Phonetic
Spelling: (am-aw-sah'-ee) Short Definition:
Amasai.
... NASB Word Usage
Amasai (5).
...Library
Scriptural Instances Wherein it is Proved that God Has Men's Wills...
... and was magnified, and the Lord was with him." [3396] This having been premised,
it is said a little afterwards, "And the Spirit clothedAmasai, chief of the...
The Channel of Power.
... The same expression is used ofAmasai, one of David's mighty chieftains,[4]
and of Zechariah, one of the priests during Joash's reign.[5]....
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the
Lord," etc.; (1 Chronicles 12:18), "Then the spirit clothedAmasai," and so on...
Thesaurus
Amasai (5 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
AMASAI.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Amasai (5
Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 6:25 The sons of Elkanah:
Amasai, and Ahimoth.
...Ama'sai (5 Occurrences)
Ama'sai.Amasai, Ama'sai. Amasa's . Multi-Version Concordance Ama'sai (5
Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 6:25 And the sons of Elkanah:Amasai, and Ahimoth....
Mahath (4 Occurrences)
... ma'-hath (machath, "snatching"; Meth): (1) One of the Kohathites having charge of
the "service of song" in David's time, son ofAmasai (1 Chronicles 6:35)....
Elka'nah (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son; (See
RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:25 And the sons of Elkanah:Amasai, and Ahimoth. (See RSV)...
Elkanah (20 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 6:25 The sons of Elkanah:Amasai, and Ahimoth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles...
Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)
Ama'sa. Amasa, Ama'sa.Amasai . Multi-Version Concordance Ama'sa (12
Occurrences). 2... RSV). Amasa, Ama'sa.Amasai . Reference Bible.
Zimmah (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son ofAmasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari...
Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, andAmasai, and
Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets...
Zuph (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the
son ofAmasai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son ofAmasai, and Joel the
son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari...
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