2 Samuel 19:13

Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh Art thou not my bone and my flesh, exactly as in 2 Samuel 19:12. Amasa was David's nephew, the son of his sister or step-sister Abigail. See ch. 2 Samuel 17:25. Of course the message was to be privately conveyed to Amasa through the priests. It was a bold stroke of policy to promise the post of commander-in chief to the general of the rebel army. By so doing, David designed at once to secure the allegiance of that army, and to punish Joab for killing Absalom in defiance of his command. But it was hardly prudent. Joab was certain not to submit to it tamely: Amasa's military skill was probably inferior, and his loyalty remained to be proved.

God do so, &c. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:9.

in the room of Joab i.e. instead of. Room = place, space, from A.-S. rúm, Germ. Raum.Cp. Matthew 2:22.