Background and Context

Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military commander in the service of King David. He was known for his strategic acumen and fierce loyalty to David, though his actions often reflected a personal code of justice and vengeance. Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a significant figure in the power dynamics following King Saul's death. After Saul's demise, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah.

The Incident

The account of Joab's murder of Abner is found in 2 Samuel 3. The narrative unfolds during a period of civil strife between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner, having fallen out with Ish-bosheth, sought to transfer his allegiance to David, thereby uniting the kingdom under David's rule. Abner's overture to David was well-received, and he was granted a peaceful audience with the king.

2 Samuel 3:20-21 records, "When Abner came to David at Hebron with twenty men, David held a feast for him and his men. Then Abner said to David, 'Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and you may rule over all that your heart desires.' So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace."

Joab's Motivation

Joab's animosity towards Abner was deeply personal. Abner had killed Joab's brother, Asahel, during a battle at Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Although Abner had acted in self-defense, the death of Asahel left a lasting mark on Joab, who sought retribution. Joab's actions were not merely driven by personal vendetta but also by political considerations. Abner's alliance with David threatened Joab's position and influence within David's court.

The Murder

Upon learning of Abner's peaceful departure from David, Joab confronted the king, questioning the wisdom of allowing Abner to leave unscathed. Joab then deceitfully sent messengers to bring Abner back to Hebron, under the pretense of further discussions. When Abner returned, Joab took him aside at the gate of the city and murdered him in cold blood, striking him in the stomach (2 Samuel 3:27).

2 Samuel 3:27 states, "When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died."

David's Reaction

King David was deeply grieved by Abner's murder and publicly distanced himself from Joab's actions. He declared his own innocence and pronounced a curse upon Joab's house (2 Samuel 3:28-29). David's lamentation over Abner's death and his command for a public mourning demonstrated his desire to maintain justice and righteousness in his kingdom.

2 Samuel 3:31-32 records, "Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, 'Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.' And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept."

Theological Implications

The murder of Abner by Joab highlights the complexities of justice, loyalty, and vengeance in the biblical narrative. Joab's actions, while understandable from a human perspective, were contrary to the divine principles of justice and mercy. David's response underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the need to uphold God's standards, even amidst political and personal turmoil. The incident serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked vengeance and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in matters of justice.