Keraia
2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3:27

Joab Murders Abner · 2 Samuel 3:22–30
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Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Abner had returned to Hebron, and Joab took him to the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and he struck him there in the stomach, and he died on account of the blood of Asah-el his brother.
Latin
Cumque rediisset Abner in Hebron, seorsum adduxit eum Joab ad medium portæ ut loqueretur ei, in dolo: et percussit illum ibi in inguine, et mortuus est in ultionem sanguinis Asaël fratris ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

2 Samuel 3:27

  • as if to speak to him privately: Joab accused Abner of acting with deception (2 Samuel 3:25). However, Joab himself used deception when he drew Abner aside in order to kill him.

  • on account of the blood: Joab acted according to the custom of blood vengeance (the practice of killing the person who had killed a close family member).

2 Samuel 3:1–39

The house of David (David’s family line and those loyal to his rule) grew stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker. A key turning point came when Abner, who held the real political power among Saul’s followers, changed his loyalty to David. When Abner did this, many of his relatives from the northern tribes followed him.

Theme notes and profiles

Abishai Abner David Joab

Events

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army Asahel: Son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, killed by Abner Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Places

Hebron: An important city in Judah; burial place of patriarchs

Glossary

Abner Avenger of Blood David Eshbaal Family Life and Relations Household Ishbosheth Joab Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Murdered by Joab; David's Sorrow For Asahel: Nephew of David, and One of his Captains Assassination: Abner, by Joab Confidence: Betrayed: Abner, by Joab False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Abner by Joab Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Homicide: Felonious: Joab Jealousy: Joab, of Abner Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner Malice: Joab Retaliation: Joab on Abner Revenge by Joab Revenge: Joab Treachery of Joab