5 But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him.
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
5 So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him.
5 Amasa went to carry out his orders, but he was late reporting back.
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him.
5 So Amasa went out to notify Judah, but it took him longer than the time he had been given.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:5
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.