Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander under King David, known for his strategic prowess and fierce loyalty to the king. However, his life was also marked by acts of personal revenge, which played a significant role in the narrative of the Old Testament. Joab's actions, particularly his acts of vengeance, provide insight into the complexities of justice, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked power. Revenge Against Abner: One of the most notable acts of revenge by Joab is his murder of Abner, the son of Ner. Abner was the commander of Saul's army and later aligned himself with David. The backdrop to this act of vengeance is the death of Joab's brother, Asahel, who was killed by Abner during a battle (2 Samuel 2:23). Despite Abner's attempts to make peace with David and his efforts to unite the kingdom under David's rule, Joab harbored a personal grudge against him. In 2 Samuel 3:27 , it is recorded: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother." Joab's act was not sanctioned by David, who lamented Abner's death and distanced himself from Joab's actions, highlighting the tension between personal vendetta and royal justice. Revenge Against Amasa: Another significant act of revenge by Joab was against Amasa, who was appointed by David as commander of the army in place of Joab. Amasa was also a relative of Joab, being the son of Abigail, David's sister. Joab's jealousy and desire to reclaim his position led to another act of treachery. In 2 Samuel 20:9-10 , the narrative describes Joab's deceitful approach: "Joab said to Amasa, 'Is it well with you, my brother?' And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not notice the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab struck him in the stomach and spilled his intestines on the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died." This act of revenge was not only a personal vendetta but also a strategic move to regain his military command. Theological Implications: Joab's acts of revenge raise important theological questions about justice, authority, and the human propensity for vengeance. The Bible consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19), and Joab's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of taking justice into one's own hands. His life illustrates the tension between human justice and divine justice, as well as the potential for personal vendettas to disrupt God's plans for peace and unity. Legacy and Consequences: Joab's legacy is a complex one. While he was a loyal servant to David and played a crucial role in establishing David's kingdom, his acts of revenge ultimately contributed to his downfall. In 1 Kings 2:5-6 , as David lay on his deathbed, he instructed Solomon to deal with Joab's bloodguilt: "You know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel—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. Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace." Joab's life and actions serve as a reminder of the destructive power of revenge and the importance of adhering to God's justice rather than personal retribution. His account is a testament to the complexities of human nature and the need for divine guidance in matters of justice and leadership. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 3:27And 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 Chastisements. How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ... The Kingdom of all Israel. The Sixth Commandment The Reign of David. The Way of Life and the Way of Death. Sunday Before Lent Of Civil Government. The Tears of the Penitent. Book 5 Footnotes Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org Revenge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Revenge: Be Thankful for Being Kept from Taking Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Inconsistent With Christian Spirit Revenge: Inconsistent With the Will of Christ Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exhibit Love Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Give Place to Wrath Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God Revenge: Jesus an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Keep Others from Taking Revenge: Proceeds from a Spiteful Heart Revenge: The Wicked are Earnest After Related Terms |
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