Aside in the gate. — The gateway was a customary place of conference in the East, and Joab there awaited Abner’s return; he then took him “aside” to some place of privacy, as the LXX. reads, “by the side of the gate.” On the phrase “fifth rib,” see Note on 2 Samuel 2:23. The reason for this cold-blooded and treacherous murder on the part of Joab is expressly said to be “for the blood of Asahel his brother;” but no doubt his revenge was quickened by jealousy.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 3:27
2 Samuel 3:27
27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly,e and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.