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 20:10KJV
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2 Samuel 20:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 20:10 mean?

2 Samuel 20:10 describes how Amasa was caught off guard and killed by Joab, who struck him with a sword in the abdomen, causing his death. After this sudden act, Joab and his brother Abishai continued their pursuit of Sheba, the rebel leader.

This verse takes place during a tense moment in King David’s reign, as his commanders deal with a rebellion led by Sheba. Joab, who had previously been replaced by Amasa as commander, uses a deceptive approach to kill Amasa and regain control. The verse highlights the violence and political maneuvering among David’s military leaders.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 20:10

  • "Heed" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to watch or pay attention. The verse stresses that Amasa was not alert to the danger, which made Joab’s attack possible.
  • "Fifth" (חֹמֶשׁ, chomes): Literally "fifth rib," this phrase is often used in Hebrew to describe a fatal wound to the abdomen or side, showing that Joab’s strike was intended to be deadly.
  • "Bowels" (מֵעֶה, me'eh): This word refers to the internal organs. The verse’s graphic detail underlines the brutality of Joab’s action.

Why 2 Samuel 20:10 matters

  • The verse clears up that Joab’s killing of Amasa was not a result of open combat but a calculated and sudden betrayal, changing how we view Joab’s character and leadership.
  • The detail about the "fifth rib" connects this killing to other similar deaths in Samuel, showing a pattern in how key figures are assassinated.
  • This moment sets the stage for Joab’s continued influence in David’s army, despite his violent and ruthless methods.