Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Joab

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Joab ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander in the service of King David. His actions, particularly those involving acts of homicide, are recorded in the historical books of the Old Testament. Joab's life and deeds provide a complex portrait of loyalty, ambition, and moral ambiguity.

Background and Position

Joab was the nephew of King David, being the son of David's sister Zeruiah. He served as the commander of David's army and played a crucial role in many of David's military campaigns. His strategic acumen and leadership were instrumental in securing David's reign over Israel. However, Joab's methods often involved ruthless and felonious acts, particularly in the form of homicide.

Murder of Abner

One of the most notable felonious acts committed by Joab was the murder of Abner, the son of Ner. Abner was the commander of Saul's army and initially opposed David's kingship. However, after a falling out with Saul's son Ish-bosheth, Abner sought to align himself with David. Joab, harboring a personal vendetta against Abner for the death of his brother Asahel, deceitfully lured Abner into a private meeting and killed him. This act of treachery is recorded in 2 Samuel 3:27: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother."

Murder of Amasa

Joab's felonious tendencies were further demonstrated in his murder of Amasa, another military leader. Amasa was appointed by David to replace Joab as commander of the army during the rebellion of Absalom. After the rebellion, David sought to consolidate his rule by appointing Amasa as commander over Joab. Joab, perceiving Amasa as a threat to his position, deceitfully greeted him and killed him. This event is detailed in 2 Samuel 20:9-10: "And Joab said to Amasa, 'Are you well, my brother?' Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled his intestines on the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died."

Role in the Death of Absalom

While not a direct act of homicide, Joab's role in the death of Absalom, David's son, further illustrates his ruthless nature. Despite David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom, Joab took matters into his own hands. When Absalom was found hanging by his hair in a tree, Joab disregarded the king's orders and killed him, as recorded in 2 Samuel 18:14-15: "But Joab said, 'I am not going to wait like this for you.' So he took three spears in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab’s young armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him."

Joab's Downfall

Joab's felonious acts eventually led to his downfall. After David's death, Solomon ascended to the throne and sought to establish his rule by eliminating threats to his kingdom. Joab, having supported Adonijah's claim to the throne against Solomon, was seen as a threat. Solomon ordered Joab's execution, which was carried out by Benaiah, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:31-34: "The king replied, 'Do as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and thus remove from me and my father’s house the blood that Joab shed without cause.'"

Joab's life serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the moral complexities faced by those in positions of power. His actions, particularly his felonious homicides, are a stark reminder of the biblical principle that the shedding of innocent blood is an abomination before the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 3:24-27
Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done? behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone?
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2 Samuel 20:9,10
And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
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1 Kings 2:5
Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
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