2 Samuel 3:30

30 (Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

2 Samuel 3:30 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 3:30

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner
For though it was only Joab that gave him the thrust of which he died, Abishai was in the secret, and was consenting and advising to his death, and so an accessory to it; and might be present, ready to assist in it, if occasion required; and so Josephus ^F11 expressly says, that Abishai his brother was with him when he drew his sword, and smote him:

because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle:
which was no just reason at all; his blood was shed in war, this in peace, in cold blood, and under the guise of friendship; that was shed with reluctance, and after fair warning, and in defence of himself; but this wilfully in Joab, unawares to Abner, and in great deceit and hypocrisy; see ( 1 Kings 2:5 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 7. c. 1. sect. 6.)

2 Samuel 3:30 In-Context

28 Later when David heard the news, he said, "My kingdom and I are innocent forever of the death of Abner son of Ner. The Lord knows this.

29 Joab and his family are responsible for this. May his family always have someone with sores or with a skin disease. May they always have someone who must lean on a crutch. May some of his family be killed in war. May they always have someone without food to eat."

30 (Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people with Joab, "Tear your clothes and put on rough cloth to show how sad you are. Cry for Abner." King David himself followed the body of Abner.

32 They buried Abner in Hebron, and David and all the people cried at Abner's grave.