How does Joab's action in 2 Samuel 20:10 reflect on his character? Setting the Scene—2 Samuel 20:10 “Now Amasa was not on guard against the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab struck him in the stomach. Amasa’s bowels spilled out on the ground, and he died. Joab did not need to strike him again; then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.” What Joab Does in the Moment • Pretends friendship—greeting Amasa with a kiss (vv. 9–10) • Conceals a sword in his left hand, catching Amasa off guard • Delivers a single, lethal blow—swift, calculated, unhesitating • Immediately turns to the military objective: the pursuit of Sheba Character Traits on Display • Strategic cunning – Joab masks deadly intent behind a gesture of peace (Proverbs 26:24–26). • Ruthless efficiency – One precise strike; no wasted motion or hesitation. • Unchecked ambition – By killing Amasa (recently appointed commander, 2 Samuel 19:13), Joab eliminates a rival and secures his own position. • Fierce loyalty to David’s throne—on Joab’s terms – He removes anyone he judges a threat, even if the king has other plans. • Moral hardness – Repetition of violent shortcuts (Abner, 2 Samuel 3:26–27; Absalom, 2 Samuel 18:14–15) shows a conscience dulled by success in bloodshed. Patterns Across Joab’s Story • Personal revenge mingled with national interest (Abner’s death avenged Asahel, but also blocked a political threat). • Ends-justify-the-means mindset—loyal to David’s kingdom yet willing to defy David’s explicit wishes (compare 2 Samuel 18:5 with 18:14). • Repeated bypassing of due process—taking justice into his own hands rather than seeking God’s guidance or waiting on the king’s justice (contrast Deuteronomy 17:8–13). Spiritual Lessons for Today • Talent and zeal without submission breed danger; Joab’s victories never excuse his disregard for God’s moral order (1 Samuel 15:22). • Hidden motives matter; outward signs of friendship or service can conceal self-interest (Psalm 55:21). • God ultimately judges unchecked violence—Joab’s bloodguilt is cited by David on his deathbed (1 Kings 2:5–6) and punished under Solomon (1 Kings 2:28–34). • True godly leadership combines courage with obedience; Joab’s courage is admirable, but his disobedience foreshadows his downfall (Proverbs 21:30). |
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