Topical Encyclopedia The assassination of Abner by Joab is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, highlighting themes of vengeance, political intrigue, and the complexities of leadership during the early monarchy of Israel. This event is primarily documented in 2 Samuel 3.Background Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a powerful figure in the house of Saul. After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah. However, tensions arose between Abner and Ish-bosheth, leading Abner to defect to David's side, offering to bring all Israel under David's rule (2 Samuel 3:6-12). The Assassination Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the commander of David's army and a key military leader. He harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in self-defense during a battle at Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Despite Abner's peaceful intentions and his efforts to unite Israel under David, Joab's desire for revenge overshadowed any political considerations. After Abner's meeting with David, where David sent him away in peace, Joab returned from a raid and learned of Abner's visit. Displeased with David's decision to let Abner go, Joab accused Abner of deceit and immediately sent messengers to bring Abner back to Hebron under false pretenses (2 Samuel 3:22-26). When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway, as if to speak with him privately, and there he struck Abner in the stomach, killing him. This act of treachery was motivated by Joab's desire to avenge his brother's death (2 Samuel 3:27). David's Response David's reaction to Abner's assassination was one of mourning and public disapproval. He declared his innocence in the matter, stating, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:28). David cursed Joab and his family, expressing his desire that Joab's house would suffer consequences for this act of murder (2 Samuel 3:29). David ordered a public mourning for Abner, demonstrating his respect for Abner's position and his disapproval of Joab's actions. He lamented Abner's death, saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen" (2 Samuel 3:33-34). David's lament and his command for a public funeral procession underscored his commitment to justice and his desire to distance himself from the violent actions of his military commander. Theological and Moral Implications The assassination of Abner by Joab raises important theological and moral questions about justice, leadership, and the consequences of personal vengeance. Joab's actions, driven by a desire for revenge, stand in stark contrast to David's approach, which sought to unify the kingdom and uphold righteousness. This event serves as a reminder of the destructive power of unchecked vengeance and the importance of seeking God's justice rather than personal retribution. The narrative also highlights the challenges faced by David as he navigated the complexities of leadership and the loyalty of his followers. Despite Joab's loyalty and military prowess, his actions posed a significant threat to David's efforts to establish a just and unified kingdom under God's guidance. 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 The King. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was King Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gandhi? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about libel? | GotQuestions.org Assassination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |