Ingratitude, a failure to acknowledge or appreciate the benefits received from others, is a recurring theme in the Bible. One notable instance of ingratitude is found in the relationship between King David and his military commander, Joab. This complex relationship is marked by loyalty, betrayal, and a lack of appreciation that ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

Background

Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a key figure in King David's reign. As the commander of David's army, Joab played a crucial role in securing David's kingdom and expanding its borders. His military prowess and strategic acumen were instrumental in many of David's victories. Despite his loyalty and service, Joab's relationship with David was fraught with tension and ingratitude.

Instances of Ingratitude

1. Abner's Death: In 2 Samuel 3, Joab kills Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who had defected to David. Joab's actions were driven by personal vendetta, as Abner had killed Joab's brother Asahel. David publicly mourns Abner's death and distances himself from Joab's actions, saying, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:28). Despite Joab's loyalty and service, David's response can be seen as a lack of appreciation for Joab's motives, albeit misguided.

2. Absalom's Rebellion: During Absalom's rebellion, Joab remains loyal to David. However, when Joab kills Absalom against David's explicit command to "deal gently with the young man Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5), David's reaction is one of profound grief rather than gratitude for Joab's decisive action that secured his throne. David's lament, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33), overshadows any acknowledgment of Joab's loyalty and the difficult decision he made.

3. David's Final Instructions: In 1 Kings 2, as David nears the end of his life, he instructs Solomon to deal with Joab for the blood he shed during peacetime. David says, "Do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace" (1 Kings 2:6). Despite Joab's years of service and the victories he secured for David, the king's final instructions reflect a lack of gratitude and a focus on Joab's transgressions.

Analysis

The relationship between David and Joab is emblematic of the complexities of ingratitude. Joab's actions, while often ruthless and self-serving, were also marked by a consistent loyalty to David. However, David's responses to Joab's actions reveal a pattern of ingratitude, as he often fails to acknowledge Joab's contributions to his reign. This ingratitude is not without consequence, as it contributes to the eventual downfall of Joab and the instability in David's kingdom.

In the broader biblical narrative, the account of David and Joab serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ingratitude. It highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others, even when their actions are imperfect. The failure to do so can lead to broken relationships and unintended consequences, as seen in the tragic end of Joab's life and the challenges faced by David's successors.1 Kings 2:5,6
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.
Nave's Topical Index

The Sixth Commandment
... Thus David killed Uriah by writing to Joab to set ... 1 Sam 24: 5. How would David's
heart have ... of murder only, but of disobedience, ingratitude, and diabolical ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Sunday Before Lent
... the cross; again, when Isaac, David, Solomon and ... easily] provoked" by wrong and
ingratitude; it is ... worst construction on everything, as Joab construed Abner's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday before lent.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... 18, 5. "And the king commanded Joab and Abishai ... the repulse of the invader; though
David is stunned ... at this high handed display of ingratitude and rebellion on ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

Of Civil Government.
... not to allow the grey hairs of Joab and Shimei ... Thus David, when already king elect
by the ordination ... previously subdued the Medes, while the ingratitude of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

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