2 Samuel 20:12

12 But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he moved Amasa from the highway to the field and threw a garment over him, when he saw that everyone who came upon him halted.

2 Samuel 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 20:12

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway
By which it seems, that though the wound was mortal, and of which he died, that as yet there was life in him, and through the pain he was in, and the pangs of death on him, he rolled himself about in his own blood in the high road, where the fact was committed:

and when the man saw that all the people stood still;
gazing at the shocking sight, and could not be prevailed upon to go on:

he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field;
which was adjoining to it:

and cast a cloth upon him;
that the body might not be seen:

when he saw that everyone that came by him stood still;
and so retarded the people in their march, to prevent which he took the above method, and it was a very prudent one.

2 Samuel 20:12 In-Context

10 But Amasa did not notice the sword that was in Joab's hand. And he struck him with it in the stomach, and his entrails poured out on the ground; and he did not strike him again. Thus he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.

11 Meanwhile one of Joab's men stood near Amasa, and said, "Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David--follow Joab!"

12 But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he moved Amasa from the highway to the field and threw a garment over him, when he saw that everyone who came upon him halted.

13 When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and Beth Maachah and all the Berites. So they were gathered together and also went after Sheba.