9 And Joab saith to Amasa, 'Art thou 'in' peace, my brother?' and the right hand of Joab layeth hold on the beard of Amasa to give a kiss to him;

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:9

Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4-13

(Read 2 Samuel 20:4-13)

Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.