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.
But Amasa didn't notice the sword in Joab's hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach, spilling his insides on the ground. He didn't need to strike him again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai continued chasing after Sheba, the son of Bichri.
This verse describes Joab's treacherous murder of Amasa, who was caught off guard and killed instantly, allowing Joab to continue pursuing the rebel Sheba.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David had just regained his throne after suppressing Absalom's rebellion, but a new threat emerged when Sheba, a Benjamite, rallied Israel against him. David appointed Amasa as his new army commander to pursue Sheba, replacing Joab who had previously served in that role. However, Joab, driven by personal ambition, ambushed and killed Amasa during a deceptive encounter to reclaim his position and continue the chase.
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