2 Samuel 17:25

Antasa captain of the host. Joab had befriended Absalom and was responsible for bringing him back from his exile and restoring him to favor with David. But when Absalom revolted, Joab remained loyal, accompanying David in his flight and retaining his position as commander in chief. Amasa, a cousin of Joab, was given command of Absalom’s army.

Ithra an Israelite. Called also “Jether the Ishmeelite” (1 Chron. 2:17). “Jether” is simply another form of “Ithra”; “Israelite” is probably “Ishmeelite” misspelled.

Abigail the daughter of Nahash. According to 1 Chron. 2:16 Abigail was a sister of Zeruiah, and both were sisters of David, which suggests the conclusion that Abigail was a daughter of Jesse. But the verse before us states that she was “the daughter of Nahash.” Two explanations are possible: (1) Nahash was the wife of Jesse (though it must be admitted that “Nahash” is usually a man’s name; (2) or the term “sisters” in 1 Chron. 2:16 means half sisters, with Abigail and Zeruiah being sisters of David only through the mother, and Nahash being the mother’s husband at the time Abigail was born.