And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
And say ye to Amasa ... This also was a dexterous stroke of policy. David was fully alive to the importance of extinguishing the rebellion-of withdrawing from that cause the only leader who could keep it alive; and he therefore secretly intimated his intention to raise Amasa to the command of the army in room of Joab, whose overbearing haughtiness had become intolerable. The king justly reckoned that, from natural temper, as well as gratitude for the royal pardon, he would prove a more tractable servant; and David doubtless intended in all sincerity to fulfill this promise. But Joab managed to retain his high position, (see the notes at 2 Samuel 20:1-26.)