2 Samuel 20:4

“Then said the king to Amasa, etc.] Whom he had promised to make general of his army, (<101913>2 Samuel 19:13); and by the following order declared him such: assemble me the men of Judah within three days; which was done by the sound of the trumpet, or by the proclamation of a herald; it seems that the men of Judah, who attended David to Jerusalem, were gone to their respective cities and places of abode, or there would have been no occasion for such a summons; though it is strange they should, when the men of Israel appeared so inclinable to a new rebellion: and be thou here present; to take the command of them.”

“Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days--Amasa is now installed in the command which David had promised him. The revolt of the ten tribes, probably, hastened the public declaration of this appointment, which he hoped would be popular with them, and Amasa was ordered within three days to levy a force from Judah sufficient to put down the insurrection. The appointment was a blunder, and the king soon perceived his error. The specified time passed, but Amasa could not muster the men. Dreading the loss of time, the king gave the commission to Abishai, and not to Joab--a new affront, which, no doubt, wounded the pride of the stern and haughty old general. But…”

“To Amasa ... - Evidently feeling his way toward fulfilling the promise to Amasa (marginal reference). return to 'Top of Page'”

“20:4-5 The king had installed Amasa in Joab’s place as commander of the armies (19:13-14). David apparently expected from Amasa the same efficiency and effectiveness as Joab had provided.”

“Amasa: Sa2 17:25, Sa2 19:13; Ch1 2:17 Assemble: Heb. Call 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 20:5”