Amasa: The Man Who Died on the Expected Day of His Coronation

Volume 8 Part 2: 2 Samuel 17:25; 19:13; 20:1–12

Read Part 1: Amasa: The Man Who Died on the Expected Day of His Coronation 1

His Partnership with the Wrong Camp

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalms 1:1

Amasa was the son of Ithra, an Israelite according to the account in 2 Samuel, and Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah. i.e., Abigail and Zeruiah were both sisters to David, and hence Amasa and Joab were first cousins and at the same time rival military commanders.

Despite this family connection, Amasa became the commander of Absalom’s army during Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. This was a significant position, but it placed Amasa on the opposing side of the conflict that threatened the stability of David’s kingdom and Israel as a nation.

Absalom’s rebellion was not merely a disagreement between two individuals. It was an attempt to overthrow the established king and seize the throne. By accepting command of Absalom’s army, Amasa became deeply involved in a conflict that eventually ended in Absalom’s defeat and death.

Amasa’s story raises an important question: Can a person possess ability, family connections, and leadership potential yet make a decision that places his future in danger?

The answer is yes. We see this in offices where people gang up against one another; churches where people team up along ethnic lines to edge out others; and even in nuclear families where mother and father take sides on whom to favor, as was the case with Isaac and Rebekah.

In the journey of life, potential is important, but potential without discernment can become a liability. A person’s gifts may open doors, but wisdom is needed to determine which doors should be entered.

Amasa’s appointment as commander of Absalom’s army placed him in a dangerous position. Proverbs 13:20 teaches that walking with the wise promotes wisdom, while keeping company with fools leads to harm.

The people we associate with can influence our decisions, values, priorities, and eventual direction in life. Ask those who were either expelled, rusticated, or dropped out from the university, and they will tell you the story of their woes, wanderings, and wars.

Not every relationship is beneficial, and not every opportunity should be accepted. Some partnerships appear attractive because they promise recognition, financial advantage, influence, or rapid advancement. However, beneath the outward appearance may lie rebellion, deception, manipulation, or spiritual compromise.

Amasa’s experience reminds us that the attractiveness of an opportunity must never replace the examination of its foundation.

Before entering a partnership, ask and reflect on the following probing questions:

• Does this relationship encourage obedience to God?
• Is the purpose of this partnership honorable?
• Am I being drawn by conviction or by personal ambition?
• Will this association strengthen my character or compromise my values?
• Have I considered the possible consequences of this decision?

A believer must learn to distinguish between an opportunity that advances God’s purpose and one that merely satisfies personal ambition.

The Trap of Personal Ambition

Absalom’s rebellion offered opportunities for military advancement. Amasa became the commander of his army, a position that demonstrated the confidence Absalom placed in him. Nevertheless, the position was connected to a rebellion that ultimately failed.

The Bible does not explicitly state Amasa’s personal motivation for accepting the appointment. However, it is easy to conclude from the political point of view that if Absalom had succeeded, he would have taken over from Joab.

This provides a lesson for every believer: Never allow the promise of elevation to blind you to the nature of the path leading to it.

How many young girls are regretting their marriages that came as a result of the young man brandishing wealth?

Some people sacrifice their convictions to gain positions. Others compromise their integrity to remain relevant. Still, others become involved in conflicts that do not align with God’s principles because they believe that doing so will advance their interests.

But the end of a matter must be considered before the beginning is celebrated.

Jesus asked a soul-searching question in Mark: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

Although Amasa’s situation concerned a military and political conflict, the underlying principle remains relevant: no position is worth the destruction of one’s integrity, spiritual life, or peace with God.