David said to Amasa, “Three days from now I want you and all of Judah's army to be here!”
And tell Amasa, “You're my nephew, and with God as a witness, I swear I'll make you commander of my army instead of Joab.”
Absalom put Amasa in Joab's place as commander of the army. Amasa's father was Ithra from the family of Ishmael, and his mother was Abigal, the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Joab's mother Zeruiah.
Abigail's husband was Jether, who was a descendant of Ishmael, and their son was Amasa.
Soon the tribe of Judah again became followers of David, and they sent him this message: “Come back, and bring your soldiers with you.”