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 about it, he said, "As far as the LORD is concerned, my kingdom and I are forever innocent of spilling the blood of Ner's son Abner.

29 May the blame fall on the head of Joab and all of his family. May there always be members of Joab's family who have oozing sores and skin diseases, who can only work a spindle, who die in battle, and who never have any food."

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

31 David told Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn for Abner." King David followed the open casket.

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