And they came thither into the midst of the house, [as though] they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth [rib]: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
Ver. 6. As though they would have fetched wheat.] Either for their own pay, or for the use of their soldiers.
And they smote him under the fifth rib.] Where there is no bone to hinder; but the belly is soft, and fit for a deadly wound. To the doing of this villainous act, some think they might be encouraged by Joab's impunity; so true is that political sentence, Bonis nocet qui malis parcit.
And Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.] But though for a time they had escaped, yet vengeance suffered them not long to live. Act 28:4 A tergo Nemesis.