But Levi, &c.] This verse is not mentioned in Samuel: but it was here inserted, to shew, That Joab was as sparing as he durst be, in executing the kings command. The Levites were sacred persons, and bound in their courses to attend the service of Gods house: in this respect, he thought that they might well be excepted. He put off Benjamin to the last, whereby that tribe came to be left out: for Joab much against his minde, went so far as he did: and the smiting of Davids heart (2 Samuel 24:10.) brake off the businesse. the kings word, &c.] That which the king commanded Joab to do, seemed to him to be an haynous sin.