2 Samuel 20:10 kjv
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
2 Samuel 20:10 nkjv
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.
2 Samuel 20:10 niv
Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab's hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bikri.
2 Samuel 20:10 esv
But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab's hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.
2 Samuel 20:10 nlt
Amasa didn't notice the dagger in his left hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it so that his insides gushed out onto the ground. Joab did not need to strike again, and Amasa soon died. Joab and his brother Abishai left him lying there and continued after Sheba.
2 Samuel 20 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 3:27 | And when Abner returned... Joab took him aside... and struck him there... so that he died. | Joab's prior treacherous assassination of Abner. |
| 1 Kgs 2:5-6 | Moreover, you know what Joab... did to me, to the two commanders... Abner and Amasa... act according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. | David's deathbed charge to Solomon regarding Joab's violent acts against Abner and Amasa. |
| Prov 27:6 | Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. | Illustrates betrayal concealed by seeming closeness. |
| Matt 26:48-50 | Now he who betrayed Him gave them a sign... "The One I kiss is the Man... Then they came and laid hands on Jesus." | Judas' betrayal of Jesus with a kiss, paralleling the deceitful greeting. |
| Luke 22:47-48 | And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas... approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" | Further account of the treacherous kiss. |
| Ps 55:20-21 | He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart... | Speaks of a close associate's treachery and broken trust. |
| Judges 3:21-22 | Then Ehud reached with his left hand... and thrust it into his belly. Even the hilt went in after the blade... and the dirt came out. | Similar description of a sword plunged fatally into the stomach/belly. |
| 2 Sam 2:23 | ...Abner struck him in the stomach with the back end of the spear, and the spear came out behind him... | Describes a fatal blow to the stomach area in ancient combat. |
| Gen 4:8 | Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. | First murder involving a pretense of fellowship before lethal intent. |
| 1 John 3:12 | not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. | Connects fratricide/murder to an evil heart. |
| Jer 9:8 | Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceit; one speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he sets an ambush. | Describes outwardly peaceful words concealing lethal deceit. |
| Prov 1:18 | ...they lie in wait for their own blood; they lie in wait for their own lives. | The consequences of plotting harm against others. |
| Rom 3:13 | “Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; | General depiction of deceptive speech rooted in depravity. |
| James 4:1-2 | Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have... you murder and covet... | Addresses the origin of conflict in sinful desires, relevant to Joab's ambition. |
| Phil 2:3 | Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit... | Contrasts with Joab's motivation for eliminating a rival. |
| Ps 7:16 | His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown. | The principle of retribution for wicked acts. |
| 2 Sam 19:13 | Also say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me... if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’ | David's promise to Amasa, the basis for Joab's animosity. |
| 2 Sam 19:20 | for your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore behold, I have come today... | Amasa's role after Absalom's rebellion; a general sense of attempting to reunite loyalties. |
| Num 25:8 | So he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through her body. | Another instance of a fatal thrust through the abdomen/body. |
| Prov 6:17 | Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood... | Listing actions that are detestable to the Lord, including shedding innocent blood. |
2 Samuel 20 verses
2 Samuel 20 10 Meaning
2 Samuel 20:10 describes the cunning and brutal assassination of Amasa by Joab. While Amasa was unsuspecting, Joab delivered a single, instantly fatal sword thrust to his stomach, causing his entrails to spill out. Immediately after Amasa's death, Joab and his brother Abishai continued their pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri, demonstrating Joab's ruthless efficiency and focused ambition to regain and solidify his military command.
2 Samuel 20 10 Context
The twenty-second chapter of 2 Samuel details the continued upheaval in David's kingdom following Absalom's rebellion. As David returned to Jerusalem, he sought to heal divisions and offered reconciliation to those who had opposed him. In a strategic move to reconcile with the northern tribes and perhaps to sideline Joab for his violent actions (specifically killing Absalom), David appointed Amasa, Absalom's former general, as the new commander of Israel's army (2 Sam 19:13). This appointment directly challenged Joab's long-held and deeply influential position as David's commander. Soon after, Sheba son of Bichri instigated another rebellion, declaring "We have no share in David!" (2 Sam 20:1). David, needing swift action, first commissioned Amasa to gather the army. When Amasa was delayed, David ordered Abishai to pursue Sheba. Joab, accompanying Abishai, saw this as an opportune moment to eliminate his rival, Amasa, and reclaim his command, ensuring no one would stand in the way of his leadership in the ensuing conflict.
2 Samuel 20 10 Word analysis
- But Amasa: This introduces a contrast. Amasa (עֲמָשָׂא - Amasa), whose name possibly means "burden-bearer," became the unsuspecting bearer of a fatal burden.
- was not on guard: Hebrew lōʾ nizhār (לֹא נִזְהַר). From the root `zahar`, meaning "to be warned," "take heed," or "beware." Amasa displayed a critical lack of caution or suspicion. He might have been genuinely unaware of Joab's intent, perhaps trusting a pretense of friendly greeting, or distracted by the military preparations. This failure to anticipate betrayal made him vulnerable.
- against the sword: The "sword" (חֶרֶב - `ḥerev`) here implies the hidden, secondary dagger Joab carried for deception, distinct from his larger sword worn openly. This weapon was poised for the concealed, treacherous strike.
- in Joab's hand: Specifies the agent and his intimate control of the lethal instrument. It was a close-quarters act of personal violence, underscoring Joab's direct culpability.
- so Joab struck him: Hebrew wayyakkehu (וַיַּכֵּהוּ). The verb `nakah` (נָכָה) denotes a forceful, decisive blow, often fatal. Joab's intent was not merely to injure but to kill.
- in the stomach: Hebrew ʾel haḥōmeš (אֶל הַחֹמֶשׁ). This translates to the lower abdomen, groin, or "fifth rib" area. In ancient warfare, this was recognized as a highly vulnerable and frequently fatal point due to vital organs located there, a common target for immediate incapacitation.
- with it: Refers directly back to the sword Joab was holding deceptively.
- spilling his entrails to the ground: Hebrew wayyišpōḵ ʾeṯ mêʿāyw ʾarṣāh (וַיִּשְׁפֹּךְ אֶת מֵעָיו אַרְצָה). This is a vivid, graphic, and gruesome detail (from shaphakh, "to pour out"; me'ayim, "entrails"). It emphasizes the extreme brutality and the undeniable, immediate lethality of the wound, a public and unambiguous display of Joab's destructive power.
- and did not strike him again: Hebrew wəlōʾ šānāh lô (וְלֹא שָׁנָה לוֹ). The verb `shanah` means "to repeat" or "do again." This detail highlights the immediate, singular, and perfect effectiveness of the first blow. It was precisely targeted and instantly fatal, requiring no follow-up.
- So he died: Hebrew wayyāmaṯ (וַיָּמָת). A terse, stark confirmation of Amasa's demise, concluding the violent act and Joab's objective of elimination.
- Amasa was not on guard against the sword in Joab's hand: This entire phrase depicts Amasa's fatal oversight. He likely anticipated a formal military exchange or greeting, not an assassination attempt, particularly not from a colleague. This moment captures the stark reality of treachery disguised as fellowship.
- Joab struck him...spilling his entrails...did not strike him again. So he died: This sequence vividly narrates the speed, brutality, and efficiency of Joab's execution. It underlines his cold calculation and expert knowledge of fatal blows, confirming his immediate objective was met. The public nature of the spillage would have been a shocking visual to those nearby.
- And Joab and Abishai pursued Sheba the son of Bichri: This segment underscores Joab's ruthless pragmatism and unwavering focus on his primary objective – the suppression of the rebellion. There is no pause for mourning, regret, or dealing with Amasa's body. The pursuit continues instantly, affirming Joab's return to the effective leadership of the army, now unchallenged. Abishai's presence suggests his complicity or acceptance of Joab's methods.
2 Samuel 20 10 Bonus section
The method of assassination used by Joab, a "kiss of death" combined with a quick thrust to the abdomen, is reminiscent of Joab's earlier killing of Abner (2 Sam 3:27). In both instances, Joab feigned camaraderie or a diplomatic conversation to get close enough for a concealed, lethal strike. This establishes a recurring pattern of treacherous violence in Joab's character when his authority or interests are threatened. Amasa, despite his experience as a general under Absalom, tragically misjudged the true nature of Joab, perhaps underestimating the extent of Joab's cunning and ruthless ambition, or simply believing the past was forgiven. This episode highlights how deeply ambition and a desire for control permeated the political landscape even within the divinely appointed monarchy of David.
2 Samuel 20 10 Commentary
2 Samuel 20:10 reveals the brutal, calculating heart of Joab. This act of assassination is a strategic elimination of a rival, born of Joab's ruthless ambition and determination to retain his power. Amasa's fatal lack of vigilance allowed Joab to execute a premeditated attack under the guise of a familiar greeting, highlighting a stark contrast between feigned friendship and lethal intent. The graphic detail of Amasa's death underscores the severity of the betrayal and the instant lethality of Joab's strike. Crucially, Joab's immediate resumption of the chase after Sheba demonstrates his singular focus on re-establishing military control and resolving the current crisis, irrespective of the bloody path taken. This scene exemplifies the deep-seated power struggles and violent means employed within David's inner circle, often violating divine principles and contributing to the later judgment David pronounced against Joab on his deathbed (1 Kgs 2:5-6). It is a stark reminder of human depravity driven by power and pride, echoing how deception can precede devastating violence.