2 Samuel 20:10

KJV

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Amasa {H6021} took no heed {H8104} to the sword {H2719} that was in Joab's {H3097} hand {H3027}: so he smote {H5221} him therewith in the fifth {H2570} rib, and shed out {H8210} his bowels {H4578} to the ground {H776}, and struck him not again {H8138}; and he died {H4191}. So Joab {H3097} and Abishai {H52} his brother {H251} pursued {H7291} after {H310} Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Amasa took no notice of the sword in Yo'av's hand, so Yo'av stabbed him in the groin. His insides poured out on the ground, and he died without being stabbed a second time. Yo'av and Avishai his brother continued in pursuit of Sheva the son of Bikhri.

Berean Standard Bible

Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

American Standard Version

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the body, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. And Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 20:10 graphically recounts the treacherous assassination of Amasa by Joab, King David's ruthless nephew and former army commander. Under the guise of a friendly greeting, Joab fatally stabs Amasa, whom David had recently appointed to lead his forces, demonstrating Joab's unyielding ambition and brutal determination to eliminate rivals and maintain his power. This pivotal moment underscores the deep-seated political intrigue and violence that plagued David's reign, even as he sought to restore stability and unity to his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a turbulent period following Absalom's failed rebellion, where King David is attempting to reassert his authority and unify a fractured Israel. David, seeking to reconcile with Judah and perhaps to curb Joab's immense, often insubordinate, power, had controversially appointed Amasa—who had previously commanded Absalom's rebel army—as his new commander of the army, as detailed in [2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David Appoints Amasa"). Immediately preceding this, a new rebellion erupted under Sheba, a Benjamite, who rallied discontented Israelites away from David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 20:1-2](/2_samuel/20-1-2 "2 Samuel 20:1-2 - Sheba's Rebellion"). David dispatched Amasa to gather Judah's forces, but Amasa's delay prompted David to send Abishai (and by extension, Joab) in pursuit. The encounter at Gibeon, culminating in Amasa's murder, is a calculated move by Joab to eliminate his rival and reclaim his undisputed military leadership, echoing his previous assassination of Abner, another potential rival, in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner"). The narrative then swiftly moves to Joab and Abishai continuing their pursuit of Sheba, highlighting the immediate strategic importance of Joab's act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was characterized by significant political instability, tribal rivalries, and the consolidation of power. Military command was a position of immense influence, often second only to the king. David's appointment of Amasa, a former enemy, was a bold political maneuver intended to heal divisions but also a direct challenge to Joab's entrenched authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss or embrace was a common form of greeting, even between military leaders, making Joab's feigned gesture a profound act of betrayal. The "fifth rib" (or lower abdomen/groin area) was a known vulnerable point for a fatal blow, emphasizing the precision and lethality of Joab's attack. The graphic description of Amasa's bowels being shed to the ground is characteristic of ancient historical narratives that did not shy away from the brutal realities of warfare and assassination, serving both as a factual account and a deterrent to those who might consider similar acts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel. **Treachery and Deception** are vividly portrayed through Joab's deceptive greeting, which masks his murderous intent, highlighting the dangerous political landscape where trust is a fatal vulnerability. The narrative also underscores the theme of **Ruthless Ambition and Power Struggles**, as Joab's actions are clearly driven by a desire to eliminate a rival and reassert his dominance over David's military, illustrating the corrupting influence of unchecked power within the royal court. Furthermore, the immediate and gruesome death of Amasa emphasizes the **Consequences of Violence and Bloodshed**, a recurring motif in David's family and kingdom, often linked to divine judgment or the unraveling of human plans. Finally, the incident highlights the **Challenges of Leadership and Governance**, as David's attempts to manage powerful subordinates and unify his kingdom are met with violent resistance and internal strife, demonstrating the immense difficulty of maintaining control and peace amidst such powerful personalities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took no heed (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The verb _shâmar_ (H8104) fundamentally means "to guard," "to watch," or "to be circumspect." When negated, as here, "took no heed" (literally "did not guard"), it powerfully conveys Amasa's fatal lack of vigilance or suspicion. He failed to observe or protect himself from the imminent danger, whether due to misplaced trust, distraction, or a general unawareness of Joab's true intentions. This oversight is central to the tragedy, highlighting Amasa's vulnerability to Joab's cunning deception.
* **Fifth rib (Hebrew, _chômesh'_):** The term _chômesh_ (H2570) refers to the "fifth (rib)" or, more broadly, the lower abdomen or groin area. While its precise anatomical identification is debated, it consistently denotes a highly vulnerable region of the body containing vital organs. Joab's deliberate targeting of this area underscores the calculated precision and lethal intent of his attack, ensuring a swift and fatal outcome rather than a mere wound.
* **Bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** The word _mêʻeh_ (H4578), translated as "bowels," refers to the intestines or, more generally, the abdomen. When coupled with the verb "shed out" (_shâphak_, H8210), it creates a stark, visceral image of the fatal wound. This graphic detail is not merely descriptive; it emphasizes the extreme brutality and irreversible nature of Joab's attack, leaving no ambiguity about Amasa's immediate and gruesome death. It serves to shock the reader and underscore the ruthlessness of the act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Amasa's fatal oversight. It highlights his unsuspecting nature or perhaps his trust in Joab, making him utterly vulnerable to the deception. The reader is made aware of the hidden danger that Amasa himself failed to perceive, setting the stage for the tragic outcome.
* **"so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died."** This segment details the swift, decisive, and lethal nature of Joab's attack. The single, precise blow to a vital area, followed by the graphic description of Amasa's internal organs spilling out, emphasizes the immediate and irreversible outcome. The phrase "struck him not again" underlines the efficiency and deadliness of the initial strike, confirming that no second blow was needed to ensure death.
* **"So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri."** This concluding clause reveals the cold, calculated nature of Joab's actions. Without hesitation or remorse, Joab and his brother immediately resume their military objective, demonstrating that Amasa's assassination was a strategic elimination of a rival, not an act of passion, allowing them to continue their primary mission unhindered.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic and tragic impact. **Irony** is prominent in Joab's deceptive greeting, where a gesture of peace (the kiss) conceals a murderous intent, creating a stark contrast between appearance and reality. The narrative uses vivid **Graphic Imagery** ("shed out his bowels to the ground") to underscore the brutality and finality of Amasa's death, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. This serves to highlight the ruthless nature of the political violence within David's court. Furthermore, the swift transition from the assassination to Joab and Abishai's continued pursuit of Sheba demonstrates **Narrative Efficiency** and reinforces Joab's cold, calculating character, emphasizing that the murder was a strategic move rather than an emotional outburst. The entire scene also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing violence and power struggles that will plague David's reign and ultimately lead to Joab's own demise under Solomon, as recounted in [1 Kings 2:28-34](/1_kings/2-28-34 "1 Kings 2:28-34 - Joab's Execution").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tragic account of Amasa's murder by Joab serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sin, even within the chosen people of God and among those who serve His anointed king. It illustrates the destructive power of unchecked ambition, jealousy, and treachery, revealing how personal animosities and the lust for power can override loyalty, justice, and even basic human decency. The incident underscores the fragility of human relationships and political structures in the face of such corruption, highlighting the need for divine justice and a righteous ruler who can truly establish peace and order. It also implicitly points to the fallen state of humanity, where even the most sacred bonds can be broken by self-interest, and where the consequences of such actions reverberate through individuals, families, and nations.

* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")
* [Proverbs 26:23-26](/proverbs/26-23-26 "Proverbs 26:23-26 - Deceptive Words")
* [Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48-49 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage compels us to reflect deeply on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the insidious nature of betrayal, even from unexpected sources. It serves as a sober warning against the corrupting influence of power and the destructive path of jealousy. For individuals, it calls for discernment and vigilance, reminding us that not all greetings are genuine and that true character is revealed not in outward show but in underlying motives. For those in leadership, it highlights the immense challenge of managing powerful personalities and the potential for internal strife to undermine even the noblest of intentions. Spiritually, Amasa's vulnerability due to his "taking no heed" can be a metaphor for our own spiritual complacency, urging us to be vigilant against the subtle deceptions of the enemy and the temptations of our own hearts. Ultimately, this narrative invites us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of envy or ambition that might lead to destructive actions, and to pursue integrity, humility, and genuine love in all our interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "taking no heed" to potential spiritual or relational dangers, perhaps due to complacency or misplaced trust?**
* **How does Joab's ruthless ambition challenge my own understanding of power and leadership, and what safeguards can I put in place against similar temptations?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of betrayal and unchecked violence, both for individuals and for communities, as illustrated in this passage?**
* **How can I cultivate discernment and wisdom to navigate complex relationships, especially when trust is involved?**

### FAQ

**Why did Amasa "take no heed" to the sword?**

Answer: Amasa likely "took no heed" for several reasons. Firstly, Joab was his cousin and a prominent figure, making a direct, unprovoked attack seem unlikely. Secondly, Joab's approach was deceptive, feigning a friendly greeting with a kiss, a common gesture of peace and respect. Amasa might have been caught off guard, distracted by the apparent cordiality, or simply trusting that a fellow commander would not act so treacherously in broad daylight. This oversight underscores the cunning nature of Joab's betrayal and Amasa's vulnerability to such a calculated deception.

**What was Joab's primary motivation for killing Amasa?**

Answer: Joab's primary motivation was to eliminate a rival and reclaim his undisputed position as the commander of King David's army. David had recently appointed Amasa to this role, as recorded in [2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David Appoints Amasa"), a move that directly threatened Joab's power and influence, which he had held for many years. Joab was known for his ruthless ambition and willingness to remove anyone who stood in his way, as evidenced by his previous murder of Abner in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner"). Amasa's death ensured Joab's return to the top military command, allowing him to continue the pursuit of Sheba's rebellion without interference.

**What does this event reveal about King David's reign?**

Answer: This event reveals the deep-seated challenges and moral compromises within King David's reign. Despite David's desire for justice and unity, his kingdom was plagued by internal strife, treachery, and violence, often perpetrated by those closest to him. It shows David's struggle to control powerful and often insubordinate figures like Joab, highlighting the limits of his authority and his inability or unwillingness to decisively deal with Joab's repeated acts of murder. The incident also underscores the ongoing consequences of sin and the instability that can persist even under a divinely chosen king, demonstrating that human leadership, no matter how anointed, remains flawed and susceptible to corruption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome treachery of Joab against Amasa, a man appointed by the king, finds a profound and sobering echo in the ultimate betrayal of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Just as Amasa was deceived by a feigned greeting, so too was Jesus betrayed by a kiss from Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples, leading to His arrest and crucifixion, as detailed in [Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48-49 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Betrayal"). Joab's ambition led him to shed innocent blood for earthly power, but Christ, though innocent, willingly shed His own blood, not for power, but to secure eternal life and true spiritual authority for all who believe, as He declares in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). This passage from 2 Samuel starkly illustrates the depth of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin, which ultimately necessitated the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God. In contrast to the flawed and often violent leadership of David's era, Jesus reigns as the righteous King, whose kingdom is not of this world, as He affirmed in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World"), established not by treachery and bloodshed, but by self-giving love and ultimate redemption. He is the true commander, whose authority is exercised with perfect justice and unwavering faithfulness, bringing true peace and reconciliation where human ambition and sin bring only chaos and death, as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 2:23

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Judges 3:21

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

1 Kings 2:31

And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.

1 Kings 2:34

So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Acts 1:19

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.