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 primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, where he emerges as a complex character, both a loyal servant to David and a man of ruthless ambition.

Family and Early Life

Joab was one of three sons born to Zeruiah, David's sister. His brothers were Abishai and Asahel, both of whom also played significant roles in David's military campaigns. The family connection to David placed Joab in a position of influence and power within the kingdom of Israel.

Military Leadership

Joab first comes to prominence during David's reign as king. He was appointed as the commander of David's army, a position he held with distinction. Joab's military prowess is evident in several key battles. He played a crucial role in the capture of Jerusalem, which became the City of David. In 2 Samuel 5:8, David declared, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander." Joab led the charge and secured his position as the commander of the army.

Joab's strategic acumen was further demonstrated in the battle against the Ammonites and the Arameans. In 2 Samuel 10:9-10, Joab divided his forces to face the two armies, displaying tactical brilliance that led to a decisive victory for Israel.

Complex Relationship with David

Joab's relationship with King David was marked by loyalty but also tension. He was fiercely protective of David's interests, yet he often acted independently, sometimes in direct opposition to David's wishes. One of the most notable instances of this was the murder of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. Despite David's peace treaty with Abner, Joab killed him in revenge for the death of his brother Asahel (2 Samuel 3:27).

Joab's actions were not always aligned with David's desires, as seen in the case of Absalom, David's son. During Absalom's rebellion, Joab defied David's explicit command to spare Absalom's life. In 2 Samuel 18:14-15, Joab took three javelins and thrust them into Absalom's heart, ensuring his death. This act, while securing David's throne, caused deep personal grief for the king.

Political Maneuvering and Downfall

Joab's political maneuvering is evident in his support for Adonijah, David's son, who attempted to seize the throne as David lay on his deathbed. This decision ultimately led to Joab's downfall. When Solomon, David's chosen successor, ascended to the throne, he ordered Joab's execution for his past crimes and his allegiance to Adonijah. In 1 Kings 2:28-34, Joab sought refuge at the altar, but Solomon's commander, Benaiah, was sent to carry out the execution, ending Joab's tumultuous life.

Legacy

Joab's legacy is one of a formidable military leader whose actions significantly impacted the history of Israel. His loyalty to David was unwavering, yet his methods were often brutal and self-serving. Joab's life serves as a testament to the complexities of leadership and the moral challenges faced by those in positions of power. His account is a reminder of the intricate interplay between loyalty, ambition, and the divine purposes at work in the history of Israel.1 Chronicles 2:16
Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.
Nave's Topical Index

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... haste into the camp; and taking away with him the remaining son of Saul ... But Joab,
whose father was Suri, and his mother Zeruiah, David's sister, who was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ...
... who was killed, and the king lamenting his son, who was ... 4. Now David had a design
to send to Absalom, not ... It was Joab, the captain of his host, that chiefly ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how absalom murdered.htm

The Reign of David.
... looking to the onion of the two kingdoms, but was treacherously killed by Joab. ... 4)
The rebellion of Absalom, his son, which almost cost David the throne ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The History of David
... three parts, and would have gone with them, but Joab counselled that ... go to the battle
whatsomever happed, and then David bade them to save his son Absalom ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... against the king; and they all left David, and followed ... his concubines, with whom
Absalom his son had accompanied ... him the same high office which Joab before had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... of the Edomites, and of the blood royal; and when Joab, the captain of David's host,
laid ... name was Tahpenes, to wife, by whom he had a son; who was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... but that God had foretold to David by a prophet, that here his son should build ...
[26] David is here greatly blamed by some for recommending Joab and Shimei ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... become King of Israel, and his general, Joab, had subdued ... in honour of that Ammonite
wife whose son Rehoboam succeeded ... removed to grace the triumph of David.[8 ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... This numbering of Israel, which David had carried out in spite of Joab's protest:
"God was displeased with ... 5. And David said, Solomon my son is young ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Rise Of A Sedition, He Made Amasa Captain Of His Host, In Order To Pursue Seba;
Which Amasa Was Slain By Joab. ... What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon At ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

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