Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 4:6

6 And they came thither into the midst of the house , as though they would have fetched wheat ; and they smote him under the fifth rib; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped .

Or, into the house: for the midst is not always taken exactly, and Mathematically, but for any part within, as Gen. 48. 16. Exod. 8. 22. Iosh. 3. 17.

Which was laid up in publick Granaries in the King's House, and was fetched thence by the Captains and Commanders of the Army for the Pay of their Soldiers, who, in those ancient times were not paid in Money, but in Corn, as is well known. Upon this pretence they were admitted into the House, and so went from room to room, to the place where the King lay.

Which was not difficult to do, when the King was left alone, either because he desired to compose himself to Rest o[illegible: 1+ letters] Sleep: or, because his Guards, if he had any, were very small, and negligent, now at least, in his declining and forlorn Condition.