Topical Encyclopedia Joab, the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, is a prominent military leader in the narrative of King David's reign. As the commander of David's army, Joab plays a crucial role in the consolidation of David's kingdom and the establishment of his rule over Israel. His actions, particularly in relation to Abner, the commander of Saul's army, are significant in the biblical account of the transition of power from the house of Saul to the house of David.Background and Role Joab is introduced in the biblical narrative as a valiant warrior and a key figure in David's military campaigns. He is one of the three sons of Zeruiah, along with Abishai and Asahel, all of whom are noted for their bravery and loyalty to David. Joab's military prowess and strategic acumen make him an indispensable asset to David, and he is appointed as the commander of David's forces. Conflict with Abner The conflict between Joab and Abner arises during the tumultuous period following the death of King Saul. Abner, who had been the commander of Saul's army, initially supports Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. However, tensions between Abner and Ish-bosheth lead Abner to defect to David's side, offering to bring the tribes of Israel under David's rule. In 2 Samuel 2, a battle occurs at the pool of Gibeon between the forces of David, led by Joab, and the forces of Ish-bosheth, led by Abner. During this encounter, Asahel, Joab's brother, pursues Abner with relentless determination. Despite Abner's warnings, Asahel refuses to desist, and Abner, in self-defense, strikes Asahel with the butt of his spear, killing him. This act sets the stage for a blood feud between Joab and Abner. Joab's Revenge The death of Asahel deeply affects Joab, and he harbors a desire for vengeance against Abner. In 2 Samuel 3, after Abner's defection to David, Joab perceives Abner's actions as a threat to his own position and influence. Despite David's peaceful intentions and his acceptance of Abner's allegiance, Joab takes matters into his own hands. Joab deceitfully lures Abner back to Hebron under the pretense of a private conversation. There, Joab strikes Abner in the stomach, killing him in cold blood. This act of vengeance is described in 2 Samuel 3:27: "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." Aftermath and Legacy Joab's murder of Abner is met with condemnation from David, who distances himself from the act and publicly mourns Abner's death. David declares in 2 Samuel 3:39, "And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too harsh for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!" Despite this, Joab remains a powerful figure in David's reign, continuing to serve as the commander of the army. His actions, however, foreshadow the complex and often tumultuous nature of David's rule, marked by internal strife and the challenges of maintaining unity among the tribes of Israel. Joab's legacy is one of both loyalty and ruthlessness, reflecting the intricate dynamics of power and justice in the biblical narrative. His role in the defeat and killing of Abner underscores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the early years of David's kingdom. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 2:13-32And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 3:27 1 Kings 2:5 Resources Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joab: An Israelite Whose Descendants Returned from Babylon to Jerusalem Joab: Son of David's Sister: (See Title) Joab: Son of David's Sister: Barley Field of, Burned by Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Captures Rabbah Joab: Son of David's Sister: Causes Sheba to be Put to Death Joab: Son of David's Sister: Censures David for Lamenting the Death of Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Commander of David's Army Joab: Son of David's Sister: Dedicated the Plunder of his Battles Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeated the Jebusites Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats the Ammonites Joab: Son of David's Sister: Destroys all the Males in Edom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Killed by Benaiah, Under Solomon's Order Joab: Son of David's Sister: Kills Amasa Joab: Son of David's Sister: Numbers the People Joab: Son of David's Sister: Opposes the Numbering of the People Joab: Son of David's Sister: Procures the Return of Absalom to Jerusalem Joab: Son of David's Sister: Pursues and Kills Absalom Joab: Son of David's Sister: Replaced by Amasa As Commander of David's Army Joab: Son of David's Sister: Supports Adonijah As Successor to David Related Terms At'roth-beth-jo'ab (1 Occurrence) |