How does 2 Samuel 20:10 connect with other instances of betrayal in Scripture?

A Glimpse at the Scene

“Now Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the belly, spilling his intestines to the ground. Amasa did not die immediately, and Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.” (2 Samuel 20:10)

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Joab’s Treachery Unpacked

• Joab greets Amasa with apparent friendship (vv. 8–9) yet hides a sword in his hand.

• The outward sign of peace masks deadly intent—an immediate, personal betrayal.

• Joab’s motive is power: securing his place as commander by eliminating a rival.

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Scripture’s Pattern of Betrayal

• Judas and the kiss that delivered Jesus (Matthew 26:48–49; Mark 14:44–45; Luke 22:47–48).

• Joab’s earlier murder of Abner after a private conversation (2 Samuel 3:27).

• Absalom’s charm at the city gate winning hearts away from David (2 Samuel 15:1–6).

• Ahithophel, David’s trusted counselor, turning with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:31; Psalm 41:9).

• Joseph’s brothers plotting in the field, selling him for silver (Genesis 37:18–28).

• Delilah coaxing Samson to reveal his secret, then handing him to the Philistines (Judges 16:18–20).

• The Gibeonites feigning friendship to deceive Joshua (Joshua 9:3–15).

• Demas deserting Paul “because he loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10).

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Shared Traits Across These Accounts

• Familiarity: betrayal comes from someone close, not an obvious enemy.

• Deceptive gestures: a kiss, a greeting, a promise of alliance.

• Gain at another’s expense: power, position, money, or self-preservation.

• Swift judgment: God ultimately exposes and repays treachery (e.g., 2 Samuel 3:39; Acts 1:18–20).

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God’s Verdict on Betrayal

• “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16)

• “There are six things the LORD hates… a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood… a person who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16–19)

• God defends the righteous and brings the betrayer’s schemes on his own head (Psalm 7:14–16).

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Takeaways for the Believer

• Guard your heart: betrayal often grows from unchecked ambition or bitterness (James 3:14–16).

• Be truthful in every relationship; let your “Yes” be yes (Matthew 5:37).

• Trust the Lord’s justice rather than seeking vengeance (Romans 12:19).

• Remember Christ endured the ultimate betrayal so we could be reconciled to God (1 Peter 2:23–24).