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2 Samuel 2:23
King James Version (KJV)
Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible
Notes on the Whole Bible
With the hinder end … - i. e. the wooden end, which was more or less pointed to enable the owner to stick it in the ground 1 Samuel 26:7.
The fifth rib - The word so rendered here (and in marginal references) means the abdomen, and is not etymologically connected with the Hebrew for five, as the translation “fifth rib” supposes, but with a verb meaning to be fat, or strong.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
Concise Bible Commentary
Death often comes by ways we least suspect. We are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of! Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service, but hastened his end.
Cross References
the fifth rib
stood still
David's Rise to Power
David in Conquest of Canaan
