Toe hy in Hebron kom, het Joab hom eenkant toe in die poort van die dorp gevat om kamma vertroulik met hom te praat. Maar net daar het Joab hom met ’n mes in die maag gesteek. Hy is op die plek dood. Joab het dit gedoen om sy broer Asael se dood te wreek.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Joab takes Abner aside in the gate of Hebron and kills him by striking him under the fifth rib. This act is a revenge for the death of Joab's brother, Asahel.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend was upset because someone accidentally hurt your brother. Your friend went to talk to that person and then did something very mean to get back at them. That's what happened here, but it's not a good thing to do.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the historical narratives in the Book of 2 Samuel, written around the 6th century BC. The author is unknown, but tradition attributes it to Jeremiah. The audience is the Israelites, and the cultural setting is the period of the monarchy in Israel.
Living It Out Today
This verse teaches us about the dangers of revenge. Today, if someone wrongs you, choosing to forgive and seek peace is a much better way to handle the situation than seeking vengeance.