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.

And when Abner {H74} was returned {H7725} to Hebron {H2275}, Joab {H3097} took him aside {H5186} in {H413}{H8432} the gate {H8179} to speak {H1696} with him quietly {H7987}, and smote {H5221} him there under the fifth {H2570} rib, that he died {H4191}, for the blood {H1818} of Asahel {H6214} his brother {H251}.

Upon Avner's return to Hevron, Yo'av took him aside into the space between the outer and inner city gates as if to speak with him privately; and there he struck him in the groin, so that he died - thus avenging the death of 'Asah'el his brother.

When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Commentary

Context

This verse describes a pivotal and tragic event in the consolidation of King David's kingdom. Abner, formerly the commander of King Saul's army and a key figure in the house of Saul, had recently defected to David, promising to bring all Israel under his rule. David had welcomed Abner, even making a covenant with him. However, Joab, David's own powerful and fiercely loyal army commander, harbored a deep grudge against Abner. Abner had killed Joab's brother, Asahel, in self-defense during a previous battle (2 Samuel 2:23). Joab saw Abner's presence as both a personal affront and a potential threat to his own position of influence. The scene takes place at the gate of Hebron, a significant public space where legal and social matters were often conducted, making Joab's act even more treacherous.

Key Themes

  • Vengeance and Retribution: Joab's primary motivation was to avenge the death of his brother, Asahel. This highlights the strong cultural emphasis on blood vengeance in ancient Israel, though it was often regulated by specific laws (e.g., cities of refuge).
  • Power Struggles and Jealousy: Beyond personal vengeance, Joab likely saw Abner's defection and growing influence with David as a direct challenge to his own authority and a threat to his status as chief commander.
  • Treachery and Deceit: Joab lured Abner aside under the pretense of a quiet conversation, only to ambush him. This act of betrayal underscores the ruthlessness of Joab's character.
  • Consequences of Violence: The murder of Abner, despite David's public condemnation and mourning, destabilized the political landscape and showed the lingering, destructive effects of the civil war between the houses of Saul and David.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "smote him there under the fifth [rib]" is a vivid and precise detail. While not a deep linguistic nuance, it emphasizes the fatal and deliberate nature of the blow. This anatomical detail points to a specific, deadly stab, indicating Joab's intent to kill, not merely wound. It was a common vulnerable spot in ancient combat.

Significance and Application

This tragic verse serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked personal vengeance and the complexities of power dynamics, even within a divinely appointed kingdom. It shows how personal grievances can undermine political stability and lead to acts of profound treachery. For believers, it highlights the contrast between human vengeance and divine justice or the call to forgiveness and peace that would later be emphasized in New Testament teachings (Romans 12:19). It also underscores the importance of leadership that seeks reconciliation and justice rather than perpetuating cycles of violence, a challenge David faced repeatedly with Joab.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 20:9 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 20:10 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 2:5 (5 votes)

    Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, [and] what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and in his shoes that [were] on his feet.

  • 1 Kings 2:32 (3 votes)

    And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing [thereof, to wit], Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

  • Jeremiah 41:2 (2 votes)

    Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

  • 2 Samuel 2:19 (2 votes)

    And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

  • 2 Samuel 2:23 (2 votes)

    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.