Topical Bible: Jealousy: Joab, of Abner

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Jealousy is a complex emotion that can lead to destructive actions and decisions, as illustrated in the biblical narrative of Joab and Abner. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander under King David. His account is intertwined with themes of loyalty, power, and jealousy, particularly in his interactions with Abner, the commander of Saul's army.

Background Context

Joab was a key figure in David's rise to power, serving as the commander of his forces. He was known for his military prowess and strategic acumen. Abner, on the other hand, was a cousin to King Saul and a loyal supporter of Saul's house. After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah.

The Root of Jealousy

The seeds of jealousy between Joab and Abner were sown in the context of the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner's decision to defect to David's side, after a falling out with Ish-bosheth, was a turning point. Abner sought to bring all Israel under David's rule, a move that threatened Joab's position and influence.

The Incident at Hebron

The tension between Joab and Abner reached its peak in Hebron. After Abner's defection, he met with David and was sent away in peace. However, Joab, upon learning of this, was incensed. His jealousy was fueled by both personal and political motives. Abner had killed Joab's brother, Asahel, in battle, which added a personal vendetta to Joab's jealousy.

Joab's actions were driven by a desire to maintain his own power and to avenge his brother's death. In 2 Samuel 3:27 , it is recorded: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died."

Consequences of Jealousy

Joab's jealousy and subsequent murder of Abner had significant repercussions. David, upon hearing of Abner's death, lamented and distanced himself from Joab's actions, declaring his own innocence in the matter. In 2 Samuel 3:39 , David expressed his frustration: "And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too harsh for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!"

Joab's jealousy not only led to the unlawful killing of a key figure in Israel's unification but also strained his relationship with David. It highlighted the destructive nature of jealousy, which can lead to actions that undermine God's plans and purposes.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Joab and Abner serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing, rather than succumbing to personal vendettas and power struggles. Joab's actions, driven by jealousy, ultimately reflect a lack of faith in God's ability to establish and maintain His chosen leaders.

In the broader biblical narrative, jealousy is often depicted as a sin that leads to discord and division. The account of Joab and Abner is a vivid example of how unchecked jealousy can disrupt God's plans and bring about unnecessary conflict and bloodshed.

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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Library

The Reign of David.
... of the two kingdoms, but was treacherously killed by Joab. The act of Abner in coming
to David was in ... he became the object of a bitter jealousy and suffered ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... This impious and altogether profane action Joab did to a good ... him no injury, and
this out of jealousy that he ... for the same cause it was that he killed Abner. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

The First Kings.
... people lavished on David excited Saul's jealousy, and he ... But Abner, a splendid general,
and a great friend of ... of this war David intrusted to Joab, and remained ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... and of Saul, and of Joab: for the ... slew two generals of armies"Abner of Israel ... malice,
insolence, covetousness, obscene talk, jealousy, confidence, haughtiness ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... is inclined to believe that this place of honour was granted to him on account of
the smallness of his family, to prevent any jealousy arising between the more ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm