And smote. —The original leaves it doubtful whether Abishai is the nominative to the verb, or whether it should be simply he,<…

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him
Observing him in danger, made haste to his relief:

These events seem to have taken place towards the end of David's reign. David fainted, but he did not flee, and God sent help in the time of need. …