2 Samuel 3:27

in the gate Lit. into the midst of the gate, the space between the inner and outer gateways. But the publicity of the city gate was unsuited to a private conference, and the Sept. offers a more probable reading, "took him apart by the side of the gate."

under the fifth rib In the belly. See note on 2 Samuel 2:23.

for the blood of Asahel his brother Since Abner had slain Asahel in self-defence (ch. 2 Samuel 2:23), Joab's act was not justifiable on the score of blood-revenge. This was merely a convenient pretext for getting rid of a dangerous rival. He foresaw that if he allowed Abner to have the credit of placing the crown of Israel on David's head, he would lose his own position and influence. Failing in his endeavour to persuade David that Abner was playing him false, with characteristic unscrupulousness he planned this deliberate and treacherous murder, as on a later occasion he murdered his rival Amasa (ch. 2 Samuel 20:10).