TRV
Translation
King James Version
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
KJV (with Strong's)
When they were at the great H1419 stone H68 which is in Gibeon H1391, Amasa H6021 went H935 before H6440 them. And Joab's H3097 garment H4055 that he had put on H3830 was girded H2296 unto him, and upon it a girdle H2289 with a sword H2719 fastened H6775 upon his loins H4975 in the sheath H8593 thereof; and as he went forth H3318 it fell out H5307.
Complete Jewish Bible
On arrival at the big rock in Giv'on, 'Amasa came to meet them. Yo'av was wearing his battle clothes, over which he had girded a belt with a sheathed sword; but as he came forward it fell out.
Berean Standard Bible
And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath.
American Standard Version
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. And Joab was girded with his apparel of war that he had put on, and thereon was a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
World English Bible Messianic
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was clothed in his apparel of war that he had put on, and on it was a sash with a sword fastened on his waist in its sheath; and as he went along it fell out.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When they were at the great stone, which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them, and Ioabs garment, that hee had put on, was girded vnto him, and vpon it was a sword girded, which hanged on his loynes in the sheath, and as hee went, it vsed to fall out.
Young's Literal Translation
they are near the great stone that is in Gibeon, and Amasa hath gone before them, and Joab is girded; his long robe he hath put on him, and upon it a girdle--a sword is fastened upon his loins in its sheath; and he hath gone out, and it falleth.
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In the KJVVerse 8,563 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 20 verses 4–13
4 ¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
10 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.
11 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
We have here Amasa's fall just as he began to rise. He was nephew to David (Sa2 17:25), had been Absalom's general and commander-in-chief of his rebellious army, but, that being routed, he came over into David's interest, upon a promise that he should be general of his forces instead of Joab. Sheba's rebellion gives David an occasion to fulfil his promise sooner than he could wish, but Joab's envy and emulation rendered its fulfillment of ill consequence both to him and David.
I. Amasa has a commission to raise forces for the suppressing of Sheba's rebellion, and is ordered to raise them with all possible expedition, Sa2 20:4. It seems, the men of Judah, though forward to attend the king's triumphs, were backward enough to fight his battles; else, when they were all in a body attending him to Jerusalem, they might immediately have pursued Sheba, and have crushed that cockatrice in the egg. But most love a loyalty, as well as a religion, that is cheap and easy. Many boast of their being akin to Christ that yet are very loth to venture for him. Amasa is sent to assemble the men of Judah within three days; but he finds them so backward and unready that he cannot do it within the time appointed (Sa2 20:5), though the promotion of Amasa, who had been their general under Absalom, was very obliging to them, and a proof of the clemency of David's government.
II. Upon Amasa's delay, Abishai, the brother of Joab, is ordered to take the guards and standing forces, and with them to pursue Sheba (Sa2 20:6, Sa2 20:7), for nothing could be of more dangerous consequence than to give him time. David gives these orders to Abishai, because he resolves to mortify Joab, and degrade him, not so much, I doubt, for the blood of Abner, which he had shed basely, as for the blood of Absalom, which he had shed justly and honourably. "Now (says bishop Hall) Joab smarteth for a loyal disobedience. How slippery are the stations of earthly honours and subject to continual mutability! Happy are those who are in favour with him in whom there is no shadow of change." Joab, without orders, though in disgrace, goes along with his brother, knowing he might be serviceable to the public, or perhaps now meditating the removal of his rival.
III. Joab, near Gibeon, meets with Amasa, and barbarously murders him, Sa2 20:8-10. It should seem, the great stone in Gibeon was the place appointed for the general rendezvous. There the rivals met; and Amasa, relying upon his commission, went before, as general both of the new-raised forces which he had got together, and of the veteran troops which Abishai had brought in; but Joab there took an opportunity to kill him with his own hand; and, 1. He did it subtilely, and with contrivance, and not upon a sudden provocation. He girded his coat about him, that it might not hang in his way, and girded his belt upon his coat, that his sword might be the readier to his hand; he also put his sword in a sheath too big for it, that, whenever he pleased, it might, upon a little shake, fall out, as if it fell by accident, and so he might take it into his hand, unsuspected, as if he were going to return it into the scabbard, when he designed to sheath it in the bowels of Amasa. The more there is of plot in a sin the worse it is. 2. He did it treacherously, and under pretence of friendship, that Amasa might not be upon his guard. He called him brother, for they were own cousins, enquired of his welfare (Art thou in health?) and took him by the beard, as one he was free with, to kiss him, while with the drawn sword in his other hand he was aiming at his heart. Was this done like a gentleman, like a soldier, like a general? No, but like a villain, like a base coward. Just thus he slew Abner, and went unpunished for it, which encouraged him to do the like again. 3. He did it impudently, not in a corner, but at the head of his troops, and in their sight, as one that was neither ashamed nor afraid to do it, that was so hardened in blood and murders that he could neither blush nor tremble. 4. He did it at one blow, gave the fatal push with a good-will, as we say, so that he needed not strike him again; with such a strong and steady hand he gave this one stroke that it was fatal. 5. He did it in contempt and defiance of David and the commission he had given to Amasa; for that commission was the only ground of his quarrel with him, so that David was struck at through the side of Amasa, and was, in effect, told to his face that Joab would be general, in spite of him. 6. He did it very unseasonably, when they were going against a common enemy and were concerned to be unanimous. This ill-timed quarrel might have scattered their forces, or engaged them one against another, and so have made them all an easy prey to Sheba. So contentedly could Joab sacrifice the interest both of king and kingdom to his personal revenge.
IV. Joab immediately resumes his general's place, and takes care to lead the army on in pursuit of Sheba, that, if possible, he might prevent any prejudice to the common cause by what he had done. 1. He leaves one of his men to make proclamation to the forces that were coming up that they were still engaged in David's cause, but under Joab's command, Sa2 20:11. He knew what an interest he had in the soldiery, and how many favoured him rather than Amasa, who had been a traitor, was now a turn-coat, and had never been successful; on this he boldly relied, and called them all to follow him. What man of Judah would not be for his old king and his old general? But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a heavy load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger. Surely his conscience was seared with a hot iron. 2. care is taken to remove the dead body out of the way, because at that they made a stand (as Sa2 2:23), and to cover it with a cloth, Sa2 20:12, Sa2 20:13. Wicked men think themselves safe in their wickedness if they can but conceal it from the eye of the world: if it be hidden, it is with them as if it were never done. But the covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry in God's ear for vengeance, or make it the less loud. However, since this was no time to arraign Joab for what he had done, and the common safety called for expedition, it was prudent to remove that which retarded the march of the army; and then they all went on after Joab, while David, who no doubt had notice soon brought him of this tragedy, could not but reflect upon it with regret that he had not formerly done justice upon Joab for the death of Abner, and that he now had exposed Amasa by preferring him. And perhaps his conscience reminded him of his employing Joab in the murder of Uriah, which had helped to harden him in cruelty.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 4–13. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
meticulously details a pivotal moment leading to a treacherous assassination, describing the convergence of Joab and Amasa at the significant "great stone" in Gibeon. The verse portrays Joab's seemingly ordinary military attire, emphasizing his sword fastened at his loins, and the crucial, yet deceptively simple, detail that "as he went forth it fell out." This seemingly accidental occurrence is widely interpreted as a calculated and deliberate maneuver by Joab, designed to disarm Amasa's suspicion and provide immediate access to his weapon, thereby setting the stage for the swift and ruthless murder that immediately follows, solidifying Joab's continued, albeit bloody, grip on military power within David's kingdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 20:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to build tension, reveal character, and foreshadow the impending tragedy. Foreshadowing is paramount, as the seemingly innocuous detail of Joab's sword "falling out" directly anticipates its immediate and violent use in the following verses, creating a palpable sense of impending doom. This subtle hint generates significant suspense, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama and hinting at the dark, murderous intentions beneath Joab's calm and calculated exterior. There is also a profound irony at play: Joab's careful preparation and the apparent "accident" of the sword's fall serve as a psychological disarming mechanism for Amasa, who likely expects a cordial greeting from his cousin and fellow commander, not a fatal attack. The sword itself functions as a powerful symbol of power, authority, and the brutal means by which Joab maintains his control, contrasting sharply with the more diplomatic, though often flawed, leadership of King David.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of 2 Samuel 20:8, culminating in Amasa's assassination, powerfully illustrate the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the pervasive nature of sin within human leadership, even within the context of God's chosen nation. Joab's calculated treachery underscores the biblical theme that the human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), capable of extreme violence and manipulation when driven by a lust for power and control. This episode serves as a stark reminder that even those who serve God's purposes, or are instrumental in His plans, can operate outside His moral will, using sinful means to achieve their ends. It highlights the constant need for discernment, integrity, and a reliance on divine justice rather than human cunning or violence, demonstrating that God's plan can unfold even amidst human depravity, but not without consequences.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Joab's deception in 2 Samuel 20:8 offers profound and sobering lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to critically examine the insidious nature of unchecked ambition and the subtle ways in which a desire for power, position, or control can corrupt even those who are ostensibly serving a good cause or a righteous leader. Joab's actions serve as a somber and enduring warning against the temptation to use manipulative, dishonest, or violent means to achieve desired outcomes, unequivocally reminding us that the ends, no matter how seemingly beneficial, never justify unrighteous means. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, recognizing that appearances can be deeply deceiving and that true character is often revealed not in overt declarations or outward displays, but in subtle actions, underlying motives, and the willingness to operate with integrity even when it is costly. It calls us to embody integrity in all our dealings, understanding that genuine leadership and lasting influence are built on trust, honesty, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to divine justice, rather than on cunning, coercion, or ruthless self-preservation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was the sword falling out truly accidental, or was it a deliberate act by Joab?
Answer: While the Hebrew verb nâphal (H5307), translated "fell out," can imply an accidental occurrence, the overwhelming consensus among biblical scholars and commentators is that Joab's action was a deliberate, calculated maneuver. This interpretation is strongly supported by the immediate context of 2 Samuel 20:9-10, where Joab immediately uses the sword to fatally stab Amasa. Given Joab's consistently ruthless character, his history of eliminating rivals (e.g., Abner in 2 Samuel 3:27), and the strategic advantage gained by disarming Amasa's suspicion, the "falling out" was almost certainly a deceptive prelude to murder, a cunning ruse to gain the upper hand.
Why did Joab feel the need to kill Amasa?
Answer: Joab's motivation was primarily rooted in a desperate power struggle and the preservation of his own long-held authority. King David had recently appointed Amasa as the new commander of Israel's army, a position Joab had held for many years and considered his by right and accomplishment (see 2 Samuel 19:13). Amasa's appointment was a direct and existential threat to Joab's long-standing influence, military leadership, and personal security. Joab, known for his decisive and often violent actions to secure his position and protect David's kingdom as he saw fit, perceived Amasa as a rival who needed to be eliminated to reassert his undisputed command, especially in the midst of a new rebellion led by Sheba son of Bichri.
What is the significance of "the great stone which is in Gibeon" as the meeting place?
Answer: Gibeon was a historically and religiously significant city in Israel, known from earlier accounts such as the Gibeonite deception in Joshua 9 and Solomon's profound prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3. The "great stone" likely refers to a prominent, easily identifiable landmark in the area, serving as a natural and recognized rendezvous point. Its significance as a known location adds a layer of dramatic weight and tragic irony to the scene, as a place of past divine encounter or national memory becomes the backdrop for a heinous act of human treachery and murder, underscoring the pervasive nature of sin even in sacred spaces.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark treachery of Joab in 2 Samuel 20:8, where he employs cunning deception and brutal violence to secure his earthly power and position, stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the perfect character and redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. Joab's act is a chilling example of fallen humanity's relentless pursuit of self-interest, leading inevitably to death, disunity, and moral corruption. In profound contrast, Christ, though possessing all power and authority in heaven and on earth, "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). While Joab's sword was unsheathed for murder and the elimination of a rival, the "sword" of Christ, the living and active Word of God, is used not for destruction but for discernment, spiritual warfare, and ultimately, for salvation (Hebrews 4:12). Unlike Joab, who seized and maintained power through deceit and bloodshed, Jesus willingly laid down His life, even allowing Himself to be betrayed by a kiss from a trusted disciple (Luke 22:47-48) and led as a lamb to the slaughter, opening not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7). His kingdom is not established through violence, the elimination of rivals, or earthly political maneuvering, but through sacrificial love, truth, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of humanity (John 18:36). Joab's ambition led to a bloody end for Amasa; Christ's divine mission led to eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe, perfectly fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's righteous rule, which is utterly devoid of the treachery and self-serving violence so tragically evident in human history.