Jether
Jether, also known as Ithra, was an Ishmaelite and the father of Amasa, who was Absalom's commander and later killed by Joab.
The name Jether means “he that excels”
MaleIshmaeliteArabiaUnited Monarchy eraOld Testament3 books4 verses
Summary
A man of the Ishmaelites living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2 Samuel 17:25; referred to as Jether (יֶ֫תֶר) or Ithra (יִתְרָא); husband of Abigail; father of Amasa.
Glossary entries
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Alternative names
Mentions
- 2 Samuel 17:25יִתְרָא · IthraAbsalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.
- 1 Kings 2:5יֶ֫תֶר · JetherMoreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.
- 1 Kings 2:32יֶ֫תֶר · JetherThe LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.
- 1 Chronicles 2:17יֶ֫תֶר · JetherAbigail was the mother of Amasa, whose father was Jether the Ishmaelite.