Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of "evil for good" is poignantly illustrated in the actions and character of Joab, the commander of King David's army. Joab's life and decisions provide a complex study of loyalty, ambition, and moral ambiguity within the context of ancient Israel's history.Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a key military leader under King David. His role is chronicled extensively in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. Despite his loyalty to David, Joab's actions often reflect a willingness to commit morally questionable acts to achieve his ends, sometimes repaying good with evil. One of the most notable instances of Joab's treachery is his murder of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. After Abner sought to make peace with David and bring the tribes of Israel under his rule, Joab deceitfully lured Abner back to Hebron and killed him in cold blood. This act was not only a personal vendetta—since Abner had killed Joab's brother Asahel in battle—but also a political maneuver to eliminate a rival. David lamented this act, saying, "May the guilt fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house" (2 Samuel 3:29, BSB). Joab's actions can be seen as a betrayal of David's trust and a direct contradiction to the king's desire for peace and unity in Israel. Despite David's condemnation, Joab retained his position, highlighting the tension between political necessity and moral integrity. Another significant episode is Joab's involvement in the death of Absalom, David's son, during Absalom's rebellion. Despite David's explicit command to "deal gently" with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5, BSB), Joab killed him, prioritizing the stability of the kingdom over the king's personal wishes. This act, while arguably pragmatic, again demonstrated Joab's tendency to repay good intentions with ruthless actions. Joab's life culminates in his support for Adonijah's claim to the throne, against David's wishes for Solomon to succeed him. This final act of defiance led to his execution on Solomon's orders, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:28-34. Solomon's decision to execute Joab was seen as a fulfillment of David's dying instructions to deal with Joab's past treacheries, thus bringing justice for the evil he had committed. Throughout the biblical account, Joab's character serves as a cautionary tale of how personal ambition and a lack of moral restraint can lead to repaying good with evil. His life is a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of actions that contradict divine and moral law. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 2:4,5,6That the LORD may continue his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, If your children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library 'More than Conquerors through Him' Advice for the Direction of Holy Zeal. Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly The Wail of a Broken Heart The Way of Life and the Way of Death. Of Civil Government. David's Sin. God's Banished Ones Resources What are evil spirits? | GotQuestions.orgDid God create evil? | GotQuestions.org What is Plantinga's free will defense, and how does it address the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Evil for Good: Joseph Accuses his Brothers of Rendering Evil for Good: Nabal Returns, to David Evil for Good: Saul Returns, to David Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Evil: Paul, in Refusing to Eat What had been offered to Idols Related Terms Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences) |