Joab, the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, is a prominent military commander in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible. Known for his strategic acumen and fierce loyalty to King David, Joab's actions often reflect the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and justice in the monarchic period of Israel's history. One of the most notable and controversial episodes involving Joab is his killing of Amasa, an event that underscores the turbulent and often violent nature of David's reign.

Background and Context

Joab's familial connection to King David as his nephew places him in a position of significant influence and responsibility. As the commander of David's army, Joab played a crucial role in many of David's military campaigns, including the conquest of Jerusalem and the defeat of various external threats. Despite his loyalty, Joab's methods were often ruthless, and his actions sometimes conflicted with David's wishes.

The Appointment of Amasa

The backdrop to Joab's killing of Amasa is the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. After Absalom's death and the quelling of the rebellion, David sought to consolidate his rule and heal the divisions within the kingdom. In an effort to unify the tribes and perhaps as a political maneuver, David appointed Amasa, another nephew and former commander of Absalom's forces, as the new commander of his army, replacing Joab. This decision is recorded in 2 Samuel 19:13: "And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if you do not become commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’"

The Killing of Amasa

The tension between Joab and Amasa came to a head during the rebellion of Sheba, a Benjamite who sought to exploit the post-Absalom unrest. David ordered Amasa to muster the men of Judah to pursue Sheba, but Amasa delayed. Joab, seizing the opportunity, took matters into his own hands. The account of Amasa's death is found in 2 Samuel 20:8-10:

"When they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. As he stepped forward, it slipped out. Joab said to Amasa, 'How are you, my brother?' And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard 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 to the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died."

Implications and Aftermath

Joab's killing of Amasa was a decisive and brutal act that eliminated a rival and reinstated Joab as the commander of David's forces. This action, while effective in the short term, further complicated the moral and political landscape of David's reign. Joab's willingness to use violence to achieve his ends, even against family, highlights the often harsh realities of leadership and loyalty in the ancient Near East.

Joab's actions, including the killing of Amasa, are later addressed by David on his deathbed. In 1 Kings 2:5-6, David instructs Solomon to deal with Joab according to his wisdom, acknowledging the blood Joab had shed: "Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace."

Joab's life and actions, including the killing of Amasa, serve as a complex study of the dynamics of power, loyalty, and justice within the biblical narrative, reflecting the challenges faced by those in positions of authority.2 Samuel 20:8-13
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded to him, and on it a girdle with a sword fastened on his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
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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.
Nave's Topical Index

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