2 Samuel 3:30

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 3:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
2 Samuel 3:30 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, etc.] For though it was only Joab that gave him the thrust of which he died, Abishai was in the secret, and was consenting and advising to his death, and so an accessory to it; and might be present, ready to assist in it, if occasion required; and so Josephus f62 expressly says, that Abishai his brother was with him when he drew his sword, and smote him: because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle: which was no just reason at all; his blood was shed in war, this in peace, in cold blood, and under the guise of friendship; that was shed with reluctance, and after fair warning, and in defence of himself; but this wilfully in…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Abishai - For though Joab only committed the murder, yet Abishai was guilty of it, because it was done with his consent, and counsel, and approbation. In battle - Which he did for his own necessary defence; and therefore it was no justification of this treacherous murder. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:31”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:30 See 2:18-28.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“slew Abner: Pro 28:17; Act 28:4 because: Sa2 2:19-23 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:31”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification