Topical Bible: Kindness: Joab to Absalom

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In the biblical narrative, the relationship between Joab and Absalom is a complex interplay of loyalty, strategy, and familial duty, with acts of kindness interwoven amidst political intrigue and personal ambition. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was King David's nephew and the commander of his army. Absalom, David's son, is known for his rebellion against his father, which ultimately led to his tragic demise.

The account of Joab's kindness to Absalom is primarily found in 2 Samuel 14. After Absalom killed his brother Amnon in revenge for the rape of their sister Tamar, he fled to Geshur and remained there for three years. During this time, King David longed to go to Absalom, but he did not take action to bring him back. Joab perceived the king's heart and orchestrated a plan to reconcile David and Absalom.

Joab's act of kindness is demonstrated through his intervention to restore Absalom to Jerusalem. He employed a wise woman from Tekoa to present a parable to King David, which ultimately led to David's decision to allow Absalom to return. In 2 Samuel 14:21, David instructs Joab, "Behold, now I grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom." Joab's actions here reflect a deep understanding of the king's desires and a willingness to facilitate reconciliation within the royal family.

Upon Absalom's return to Jerusalem, however, David did not immediately see him, and Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king's face. Absalom, frustrated by this estrangement, sought Joab's help once more. When Joab initially ignored Absalom's summons, Absalom resorted to setting Joab's field on fire to get his attention. Despite this act of aggression, Joab again showed kindness by arranging a meeting between Absalom and King David, leading to their temporary reconciliation (2 Samuel 14:33).

Joab's kindness towards Absalom, however, was not without limits. When Absalom later led a rebellion against David, Joab's loyalty to the king took precedence. In the ensuing battle, despite David's explicit instructions to "deal gently with the young man Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5), Joab killed Absalom when he found him hanging by his hair in a tree (2 Samuel 18:14). This act, while seemingly harsh, was driven by Joab's commitment to the stability of David's kingdom.

The narrative of Joab and Absalom illustrates the complexities of kindness within the context of duty and loyalty. Joab's initial efforts to reconcile father and son highlight his role as a mediator and his understanding of the king's heart. Yet, his ultimate decision to kill Absalom underscores the difficult choices faced by those in positions of leadership and the sometimes harsh realities of maintaining order and justice.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 14:1-24
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David's Sorrow.
... by the grief of the king, so that Joab persuaded David ... who were left of the followers
of Absalom begged the ... had fed them and shown them great kindness in the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ...
... but in order to assure me of this thy kindness, be first ... to be so in reality, he
called for Joab, and told ... his own mind; and he bid him bring Absalom back, for ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how absalom murdered.htm

The Reign of David.
... 12. (5) The different times David showed kindness to his enemies, II Sam.9,
10, 16, and 19. ... (11) The greatest fault of Absalom, of Joab. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... Then I pray you go to God as Joab went to Absalom. ... afflicted;" let us join together
in one common hymn of praise for all the loving-kindness which God has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... have such great virtue, and such great kindness for Saul ... of David nineteen, and Asahel,
whose body Joab and Abishai ... the name of the third was Absalom, by Maacah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Barzillai
... was naturally grateful for the king's kindness to the ... that in the forest of Ephraim
Absalom's army was ... the strong, almost harsh, remonstrances of Joab to rouse ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barzillai.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... As Joab pleaded for Absalom, and brought ... and abused his love; man who was turned
rebel; yet he came to man, resolving to conquer obstinacy with kindness. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... When Absalom set Joab's corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom (2 Samuel ... I
hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my ... Absalom was a disobedient son,
who sought to deprive his ... has the Lord helped me.' As when Joab had fought ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... But they must be wooed with kindness, if their ... that Joab went out to war against
Ammon, "but ... Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm