2 Samuel 20:9-12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:10

In the fifth fib; in the abdomen (see note on 2 Samuel 2:23 ). He struck him not again. When his sword fell out of its sheath, Joab picked it up with his left hand, which was not the hand for action, and as he could not put it into its place without taking it into his right hand, his continuing to hold it while he took his cousin's beard in his fight hand and kissed him, was too natural to awaken any suspicion. But holding down Amasa's head, he struck him with his left hand so fiercely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:11

One of Joab's men. Joab left one of his personal followers to prevent any halt of the people round Amasa's body, and to suggest that he was a traitor. For he was to say to them as they came up, not only that "whosoever had pleasure in Joab," but also that "all who were for David, were to go after Joab." All loyal men were to regard him as captain of the host, and to disobey him would be rebellion. Naturally they would conclude from this that Amasa had not really been true to David, and that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:12

He removed Amasa. The admonition to move on failed; for the sight was terrible and tragic, and all as they came along stopped to see what had happened, and inquire the cause. The man, therefore, had the corpse carried out of the way, and threw over it a cloth, really a coat—the loose upper mantle worn over the tunic (see note on beged, 1 Samuel 19:13 ). Whereupon the people renewed their march, most of them not knowing what had occurred, and the rest urged to it by the warning voice of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 20:11

He that favoreth Joab ... - This speech, addressed to Amasa’s followers as well as Joab’s, shows very distinctly that the rivalry between Joab and Amasa, and David’s purpose to make Amasa captain in Joab’s room, were well known; and shows also the real reason why Joab killed Amasa. What is added, “and he that is for David,” was intended to identify Joab’s cause with David’s, and also to insinuate that Amasa had not been loyal to David (2 Samuel 20:5 note). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 20:12

All the people ... - i. e., the levies which Amanda had been leading to Jerusalem; they were irresolute as to what they should do, and the stoppage at Amasa’s body very nearly led to their refusing to follow Joab. But upon the prompt removal and hiding of the body they passed on and followed Joab, their old captain. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:9

2 Samuel 20:9. Joab took Amasa by the beard As the manner of ancient times was when they saluted one another, and, it appears, is still a custom among some of the eastern people, who take one another by the chin or the beard when they would give a hearty salute. Thevenot says it is often done among the Turks, although at the same time he assures us it is a great affront to take one by the beard on any other account than to kiss him. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:10

2 Samuel 20:10. Amasa took no heed to the sword Which, falling out, as it seemed, casually, he supposed that Joab intended only to put into its scabbard, and therefore took no care to defend himself against the stroke. So Joab and Abishai pursued after Sheba He boldly and immediately resumed his former place, and marched at the head of the army. It may appear strange that Amasa’s soldiers did not attempt to revenge his death; but it must be observed that not many of them were yet come up,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:11-13

2 Samuel 20:11-13. One of Joab’s men stood by him By the command of his master, who knew that this would occasion disorder among Amasa’s soldiers, and therefore left a man there on purpose to deliver the following message: He that favoureth Joab He that would have Joab to be general, rather than such a perfidious rebel as Amasa. And he that is for David He that wisheth David good success against Sheba, and against all rebels. He cunningly joins David and Joab together, as if their... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-26

Sheba’s revolt (20:1-26)With virtually the whole nation in a state of unrest, Sheba, a Benjaminite, seized the opportunity to try to lead the northern tribes to break away from David (20:1-2). Being anxious to re-establish his kingdom in Jerusalem, David did not leave the city but sent his new commander-in-chief Amasa to assemble the army and pursue Sheba (3-4).When Amasa was slow in assembling the army, David sent off his private army, the fighting force that had been with him since the days... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 20:9

Art thou . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . read more

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