2 Samuel 3:28 — Meaning and Application

And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew {it} not.

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth {rib}, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. {quietly: or, peaceably}

And afterward when David heard {it}, he said, I and my kingdom {are} guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: {blood: Heb. bloods}

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. {fail: Heb. be cut off}

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.