5. Amasa went to call them, but he did not get back by the time the king had set.
6. So the king said to Abishai, “Sheba will give us more trouble than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or else he may occupy some fortified towns and escape from us.”
7. So Joab's men, the royal bodyguard, and all the other soldiers left Jerusalem with Abishai to go after Sheba.
8. When they reached the large rock at Gibeon, Amasa met them. Joab was dressed for battle, with a sword in its sheath fastened to his belt. As he came forward, the sword fell out.
9. Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my friend?” and took hold of his beard with his right-hand in order to kiss him.
10. Amasa was not on guard against the sword that Joab was holding in his other hand, and Joab stabbed him in the belly, and his entrails spilt out on the ground. He died immediately, and Joab did not have to strike again.Then Joab and his brother Abishai went on after Sheba.