2 Samuel 18:13

Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life,.... Or "soul"; he should not only have exposed his life to danger, but acted falsely to the king, by going contrary to his orders; yea,…

The man gives a remarkable incidental testimony to David’s sagacity and penetration (compare 2Sa 14:19), and to Joab’s known unscrupulousness.

Thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me - This is a strong appeal to Joab's loyalty, and respect for the orders of David; but he was proof against every fine feeling, and against every…

Here is Absalom quite at a loss, at his wit's end first, and then at his life's end. He that began the fight, big with the expectation of triumphing over David himself, with whom, if he had had him in…

I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life I should not only have disobeyed the king, but have been false to my own interest and forfeited my life. The Kthîbh reads his life, thus: Or if I…