Joab, the son of Zeruiah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the historical books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. He was the nephew of King David, as Zeruiah was David's sister. Joab served as the commander of David's army and played a crucial role in the establishment and consolidation of David's kingdom.

Family and Early Life

Joab was one of three brothers, the others being Abishai and Asahel. The family was known for their military prowess and loyalty to David. Joab's early life is not extensively documented, but his rise to prominence began during David's reign.

Military Leadership

Joab's military acumen is first notably displayed during the conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. He led David's forces in several key battles, including the defeat of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. Joab's strategic mind and battlefield skills were instrumental in securing David's rule over all Israel.

One of Joab's significant military achievements was the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, which became the political and spiritual center of Israel. His leadership in this campaign is recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:6: "And David said, 'Whoever strikes down the Jebusites first will become chief commander.' And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief."

Role in David's Court

Joab's influence extended beyond the battlefield. He was a key advisor to King David and often involved in political and military decisions. However, his relationship with David was complex and sometimes contentious. Joab's actions were not always aligned with David's wishes, leading to tension between them.

One of the most notable incidents was Joab's killing of Abner, which David publicly condemned. Despite this, Joab retained his position due to his indispensable role in the kingdom's military affairs.

Conflicts and Controversies

Joab's life was marked by several controversial actions. He was involved in the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son, despite David's explicit command to deal gently with him. This act is recorded in 2 Samuel 18:14-15: "But Joab said, 'I will not wait like this for you.' So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree. And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him."

Joab also played a role in the execution of Amasa, whom David had appointed as commander of the army in Joab's place. This act of treachery is detailed in 2 Samuel 20:10: "But Amasa did not see the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled his intestines out on the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died."

Downfall and Death

Joab's downfall came during the transition of power from David to Solomon. Despite his long service, Joab supported Adonijah's claim to the throne instead of Solomon, whom David had chosen. This political miscalculation led to his execution on Solomon's orders, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:29-34. Joab sought refuge at the altar, but Solomon commanded Benaiah to strike him down, thus ending Joab's tumultuous life.

Legacy

Joab's legacy is one of complexity. He was a fierce warrior and a shrewd military leader whose actions significantly shaped the early years of the united monarchy in Israel. However, his life was also marked by violence and political intrigue, reflecting the turbulent times in which he lived. His account serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between loyalty, power, and morality in the biblical narrative.3097. Yoab -- "the LORD is father," three Israelites
... "the LORD is father," three Israelites. Transliteration: Yoab Phonetic Spelling:
(yo-awb') Short Definition: Joab. ... NASB Word Usage Joab (136), Joab's (8). Joab. ...
/hebrew/3097.htm - 6k

The Barley Field on Fire
... "Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to
him; and when he sent again, the second time, he would not come. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead of Joab his kinsman: his
father was Ithra and his mother Abigail: now she and Zeruiah, the mother of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... II. The sad defection to Adonijah of such tried friends as Joab and Abiathar
has its lesson. The reason for Joab's treachery is plain. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... him to yield up the kingdom to him, as to his elder brother, since she desired that
he might marry Abishag; and that he had potent friends, Joab the captain of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how solomon when.htm

'More than Conquerors through Him'
... in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob,
and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.9. When Joab saw that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/more than conquerors through him.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... A Great Affection To Barzillai; And How, Upon The Rise Of A Sedition, He Made Amasa
Captain Of His Host, In Order To Pursue Seba; Which Amasa Was Slain By Joab ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... He turned back, and ran violently to slay [David] their enemy's king, for he was
quite tired out with labor; but Abishai, Joab's brother, appeared on the sudden ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

How David Fell in Love with Bathsheba, and Slew Her Husband Uriah ...
... to death]. So the king sent for Joab's armor-bearer from the siege, who
was the woman's husband, and his name was Uriah. And when ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how david fell.htm

The History of David
... After this it happed that Abner, prince of the host of Ishbosheth, with certain
men, went out of the castles, and Joab with certain men of David went also out ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Tears of the Penitent.
... personal ease while his comrades and the ark are in the field, than the king has;
the mean treason, the degradation implied in getting into Joab's power; the ...
/.../maclaren/the life of david/xiii the tears of the penitent.htm

Joab's (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Joab's (13 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 26:6 And David
spake and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai ...
/j/joab's.htm - 10k

Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)
Jo'ab's. Joab's, Jo'ab's. Joachaz . ... 2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said to his
servants, "Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there. ...
/j/jo'ab's.htm - 8k

Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)
Ama'sa. Amasa, Ama'sa. Amasai . Multi-Version Concordance Ama'sa (12 Occurrences).
2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom had set Amasa over the host instead of Joab. ...
/a/ama'sa.htm - 10k

Amasa (13 Occurrences)
... He was appointed by David to command the army in room of his cousin Joab (2 Samuel
19:13), who afterwards treacherously put him to death as a dangerous rival ...
/a/amasa.htm - 13k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner
(2 Samuel 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)
... Stricken of the Lord, David's sister, and the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel
(1 Chronicles 2:16), who were the three leading heroes of David's army, and ...
/z/zeruiah.htm - 17k

Ithra (1 Occurrence)
... She is called the sister of Zeruiah, Joab's mother (2 Samuel 17:25). ... Ithra (1 Occurrence).
2 Samuel 17:25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. ...
/i/ithra.htm - 7k

Bicri (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the
Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to ...
/b/bicri.htm - 9k

Bichri (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:7 There went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the
Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue ...
/b/bichri.htm - 9k

Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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