What motivated Joab and Abishai to kill Abner in 2 Samuel 3:30? The Biblical Statement of Motive 2 Samuel 3:30: “So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in battle.” Unpacking the Layers Behind the Act • A brother’s blood cried out – 2 Samuel 2:18-23 records Asahel’s death by Abner’s hand. – Numbers 35:19; Deuteronomy 19:11-13 outline the ancient duty of the “avenger of blood.” Joab and Abishai saw themselves as fulfilling that role. • Personal vengeance eclipsed God-given justice – The law required cities of refuge and a judicial hearing (Numbers 35:24-25). Joab bypassed these safeguards, turning justice into murder (2 Samuel 3:27). – 1 Kings 2:5 later remembers the deed as bloodguilt, revealing God’s verdict on their method. • Protection of position and power – Abner had just pledged to bring “all Israel” to David (2 Samuel 3:12-21). – Joab, David’s commander (2 Samuel 2:13), feared losing influence. Verse 24 shows his anger: “What have you done? … Abner came to deceive you!” – Eliminating Abner removed a rival and kept Joab’s command secure. • Deep mistrust of Abner’s motives – Abner’s sudden defection after years of war looked suspicious. – Joab convinced himself (and likely Abishai) that Abner’s visit was espionage (3:25), rationalizing the assassination. Key Takeaways for Today • Vengeance, even when cloaked in legal language, is sin when it sidesteps God’s clear commands (Romans 12:19). • Personal ambition can masquerade as righteous zeal; watch the heart motives (Jeremiah 17:9). • God eventually judges hidden motives and public acts alike (Ecclesiastes 12:14). |
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