2 Samuel 2:23

with the hinder end of the spear Abner defended himself in this way with a view to disable rather than kill Asahel. But the butt-end of the spear, pointed or shod with iron to be stuck in the ground (1 Samuel 26:7; Hom. Il.X. 153), dealt a fatal blow.

under the fifth rib The E. V. follows the Jewish commentators in thus rendering a word which occurs in three other passages of this book (2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:6; 2 Samuel 20:10) and nowhere else. In the belly is however the more probable meaning.

stood still Riveted to the spot with awe and grief, mourning the untimely fate of the young hero. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 20:12.