Topical Encyclopedia Context and Background:The account of Joab's retaliation against Abner is found in the historical narrative of 2 Samuel, during the tumultuous period following King Saul's death. This era was marked by a power struggle between the house of Saul and the rising influence of David, who had been anointed as the future king of Israel. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while Joab served as the commander of David's forces. The Incident: The tension between Joab and Abner reached its peak following a skirmish at the pool of Gibeon, where the two sides engaged in a fierce battle. During this encounter, Joab's brother, Asahel, pursued Abner with relentless determination. Despite Abner's warnings to turn aside, Asahel refused, leading to his death at the hands of Abner (2 Samuel 2:18-23). This event sowed the seeds of enmity between Joab and Abner. Retaliation: Abner later sought to transfer his allegiance to David, recognizing the divine favor upon David's kingship. He initiated negotiations with David, promising to bring the tribes of Israel under David's rule (2 Samuel 3:6-21). David welcomed Abner's overtures, seeing them as a means to unify the kingdom. However, Joab viewed Abner's actions with suspicion and harbored a personal vendetta for the death of his brother. Upon learning of Abner's visit to David and his peaceful departure, Joab confronted David, questioning the wisdom of allowing Abner to leave unscathed. Joab then deceitfully sent messengers to bring Abner back to Hebron, where he met him at the gate and, under the guise of a private conversation, struck him in the stomach, killing him in cold blood (2 Samuel 3:22-27). This act of retaliation was not only personal but also politically motivated, as Joab sought to eliminate a potential rival and secure his own position within David's administration. David's Response: David's reaction to Joab's treachery was one of public condemnation. He declared his innocence in the matter, distancing himself from Joab's actions and pronouncing a curse upon Joab's house (2 Samuel 3:28-29). David mourned Abner's death, honoring him with a public lament and a burial befitting a noble warrior. This response demonstrated David's commitment to justice and his desire to establish a kingdom characterized by righteousness and unity. Theological Implications: The narrative of Joab's retaliation against Abner highlights the destructive nature of personal vengeance and the complexities of human motives in the pursuit of power. Joab's actions serve as a cautionary tale against allowing personal grievances to override divine justice and the greater good. The account also underscores the importance of leadership that seeks God's will above personal ambition, as exemplified by David's response to the situation. Scriptural References: · 2 Samuel 2:18-23 · 2 Samuel 3:6-21 · 2 Samuel 3:22-29 Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 3:27,30And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Did Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Retaliation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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