דברי הימים א, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ז

Abigail gave birth to a son named Amasa, whose father was a man known as Jether the Ishmaelite [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Tracing his exact lineage presents a historical challenge, as the Book of Samuel identifies this very same individual as Ithra the Israelite [מנחת שי]. This contrast between being called an Ishmaelite in one place and an Israelite in another has led to several different explanations regarding his true background.

The primary approach among commentators is that Jether was, in fact, a Jewish man of Israelite descent. He received the title of an Ishmaelite simply because he lived in the land of Ishmael for a time. This aligns with a broader pattern found among other biblical figures who were associated with foreign lands based on their residence rather than their ancestry [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. To prevent any confusion about his actual heritage, the Book of Samuel refers to him as an Israelite, ensuring that readers understand his true roots and do not mistake him for a foreigner [רד״ק, מצודת ציון].

On the other hand, a different perspective suggests that he was originally a gentile of Ishmaelite descent. According to this view, he underwent a formal conversion to Judaism. Upon converting, his name was modified from Jether to Ithra, and he earned the new title of an Israelite. Only after this transformation did Jesse give him his daughter in marriage [מלבי״ם].

Beyond these historical and geographic explanations, an additional interpretation focuses on his physical abilities. Drawing from rabbinic tradition, this approach proposes that the term Ishmaelite is not a reference to his birthplace or where he lived, but rather a description of his behavior. He earned this nickname because he strapped on his sword with remarkable speed and ease, mimicking the fighting style of the Ishmaelites. They were widely known as agile desert warriors who handled their weapons with exceptional skill, and his similar prowess earned him their namesake [חומת אנך].