Compare Joab's decision with Proverbs 15:23 on delivering the right message. Backdrop: Joab Faces a Critical Communication Moment – 2 Samuel 12:26-28: “Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal citadel. Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, ‘I have fought against Rabbah and captured the water supply of the city. Now therefore assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city and capture it; otherwise I will take the city, and it will be named after me.’” – Joab is fresh from victory, yet he pauses to communicate before finishing the campaign. – His choice: speak up or stay silent and claim the credit himself. Textual Anchor: Proverbs 15:23 – “A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!” – Two elements: the fitness of the reply and the timing of the word. How Joab Modeled a “Fitting Reply” • Right content – Joab’s message honors David’s kingship: “assemble the rest of the troops… capture the city.” – He refuses self-glory; he frames the situation so David will receive the crown (cf. 1 Chronicles 20:1-2). • Right tone – Direct but respectful; he neither flatters nor manipulates. • Alignment with covenant order – God had anointed David, not Joab, to be king (1 Samuel 16:13). Joab’s words protect that divine order. Timeliness: Why Joab Spoke When He Did • The window was short—Rabbah’s fall was imminent. • A delayed word would have let the city be named after Joab, inviting division. • By sending the message immediately, Joab lets David act before consequences harden (compare Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”). Positive Outcomes of Joab’s Timely Message – David musters the army, finishes the siege, and receives the crown of the Ammonite king (2 Samuel 12:29-30). – National unity is preserved; Joab’s humility strengthens David’s throne. – Joab personally gains joy (Proverbs 15:23a) because he gave a “fitting reply.” Contrast: When Joab’s Words Were Not Timely – 2 Samuel 18:19-23: Joab tries to delay Ahimaaz from carrying the bad news of Absalom’s death. – The hesitation leads to confusion when Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite yet lacks the full message. – Lesson: withholding or mangling the message drains its usefulness and breeds anxiety (Proverbs 12:25). Takeaways for Today • Seek accuracy: speak what upholds God-given roles and truths (Ephesians 4:25). • Seek appropriateness: shape words to serve, not to self-promote (Philippians 2:3-4). • Seek timeliness: act while hearts are open and consequences can still be steered (James 4:17). “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) |
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