Topical Encyclopedia Joab, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known as the commander of King David's army. He was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Joab's life and actions are chronicled in several books of the Bible, including 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles.Military Leadership and Loyalty to David Joab first emerges as a key military leader during David's reign. His strategic prowess and leadership are evident in numerous battles, including the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-8) and the defeat of the Ammonites and Arameans (2 Samuel 10:6-19). Joab's loyalty to David is unwavering, though it is often marked by ruthless actions. He played a crucial role in securing David's throne during Absalom's rebellion, despite the personal cost of killing Absalom, David's son, against the king's explicit wishes (2 Samuel 18:14-15). Complex Character and Controversial Actions Joab's character is complex, blending loyalty with a fierce independence that sometimes led to actions contrary to David's desires. His killing of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, was motivated by a combination of personal revenge and political strategy (2 Samuel 3:27). Joab also executed Amasa, whom David had appointed as his new commander, further consolidating his own power (2 Samuel 20:10). Despite these controversial actions, Joab remained a central figure in David's military and political life. His influence extended beyond the battlefield, as he was involved in the king's personal affairs, including the reconciliation between David and Absalom (2 Samuel 14:1-24). Downfall and Death Joab's downfall began with his support for Adonijah, David's son, in his bid for the throne, contrary to David's wishes for Solomon to succeed him (1 Kings 1:5-7). This political miscalculation ultimately led to his demise. After Solomon ascended to the throne, he ordered Joab's execution as part of consolidating his kingdom and fulfilling David's instructions to deal with those who had wronged him (1 Kings 2:5-6). Joab sought refuge at the altar in the tent of the LORD, but Solomon's order was carried out by Benaiah, son of Jehoiada. The Bible records this event in 1 Kings 2:28-34, where Joab's death is described: "So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and struck down Joab and killed him, and he was buried at his home in the wilderness" (1 Kings 2:34). Legacy Joab's legacy is one of a formidable military leader whose actions significantly impacted the history of Israel. His life serves as a testament to the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of political maneuvering. Despite his flaws, Joab's contributions to David's reign and the establishment of the united monarchy are undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on biblical history. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 2:29-34And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled to the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on him. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joab: An Israelite Whose Descendants Returned from Babylon to Jerusalem Joab: Son of David's Sister: (See Title) Joab: Son of David's Sister: Barley Field of, Burned by Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Captures Rabbah Joab: Son of David's Sister: Causes Sheba to be Put to Death Joab: Son of David's Sister: Censures David for Lamenting the Death of Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Commander of David's Army Joab: Son of David's Sister: Dedicated the Plunder of his Battles Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeated the Jebusites Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats the Ammonites Joab: Son of David's Sister: Destroys all the Males in Edom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Killed by Benaiah, Under Solomon's Order Joab: Son of David's Sister: Kills Amasa Joab: Son of David's Sister: Numbers the People Joab: Son of David's Sister: Opposes the Numbering of the People Joab: Son of David's Sister: Procures the Return of Absalom to Jerusalem Joab: Son of David's Sister: Pursues and Kills Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Replaced by Amasa As Commander of David's Army Joab: Son of David's Sister: Supports Adonijah As Successor to David Related Terms At'roth-beth-jo'ab (1 Occurrence) |