Amasai
“Burdensome”
Summary
A name borne by several men in the Old Testament, most notably a captain who led warriors to join David at Ziklag and a Levite ancestor of Samuel.
☩Ancestor of Samuel
A Levite of the Kohathite family, son of Elkanah and father of Ahimoth or Mahath, appearing in the genealogy of Samuel the prophet. He lived around 1410 B.C.
☩Captain Under David
The principal leader of a considerable body of men from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who joined David while he was an outlaw at "the stronghold," apparently the cave of Adullam. When David expressed apprehension at their coming, the Spirit came upon Amasai and he declared fervent attachment to David's cause, instantly dispelling the king's fears. Some have suggested he may be identified with Amasa, David's nephew, or with Abishai, though neither of these held the rank to which David apparently appointed Amasai.
☩Other Bearers of the Name
A priest appointed to precede the ark with trumpet-blowing when it was removed from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem around 1043 B.C. Also, another Kohathite Levite, father of Mahath, who was active in the cleansing of the temple under King Hezekiah in 726 B.C.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Amasai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Amasai," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Amasai," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Amasai," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).