Topical Encyclopedia Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander in the service of King David, known for his strategic prowess and complex character. His actions, particularly those driven by revenge, are significant in understanding the dynamics of David's reign and the moral and ethical challenges faced by leaders in biblical narratives.Background and Role Joab was the nephew of King David, being the son of David's sister Zeruiah. He served as the commander of David's army and played a crucial role in many of David's military victories. Joab's loyalty to David was evident, yet his methods often reflected a personal code of justice that sometimes conflicted with David's wishes. Revenge Against Abner One of the most notable acts of revenge by Joab is his murder of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. After the death of Saul, Abner sought to bring the northern tribes of Israel under David's rule, making peace with David. However, Joab harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother Asahel during a battle (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Despite David's peace treaty with Abner, Joab deceitfully lured Abner back to Hebron and killed him in cold blood. This act of revenge is recorded in 2 Samuel 3:27: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother." David publicly distanced himself from Joab's actions, lamenting Abner's death and declaring his own innocence in the matter (2 Samuel 3:28-29). David's response highlights the tension between Joab's personal vendettas and the king's desire for justice and unity in the kingdom. Revenge Against Amasa Joab's thirst for revenge is further illustrated in his dealings with Amasa, whom David appointed as commander of the army in place of Joab. This appointment was part of David's strategy to consolidate his rule after Absalom's rebellion. Joab, feeling slighted and threatened by Amasa's new position, took matters into his own hands. In 2 Samuel 20:9-10, Joab deceitfully greeted Amasa with a kiss and then killed him: "And Joab said to Amasa, 'Are you well, my brother?' Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand 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 on the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died." This act of revenge not only eliminated a rival but also reinstated Joab as the commander of David's forces. Joab's actions, while effective in maintaining his position, further complicated the moral landscape of David's reign. Legacy and Reflection Joab's life and actions serve as a complex study of loyalty, power, and the destructive nature of revenge. His willingness to take justice into his own hands, often in direct opposition to David's wishes, underscores the challenges of leadership and the consequences of personal vendettas. Joab's account is a reminder of the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), and the pursuit of personal revenge can lead to further discord and strife. Joab's eventual downfall came during the transition of power from David to Solomon. Despite his past loyalty, Joab supported Adonijah's claim to the throne instead of Solomon, whom David had chosen. Solomon, upon securing his reign, ordered Joab's execution for his past murders and his support of Adonijah (1 Kings 2:28-34). Joab's life and death illustrate the biblical theme that unchecked revenge and ambition can ultimately lead to one's downfall. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 principle of double effect? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some of the most famous sayings of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org What is imprecatory prayer? | 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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