Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeats and Kills Abner
Jump to: Nave'sSubtopicsTerms
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 2:13-32
And 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
And 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

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
Nave's Topical Index

Resources
Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Joab: Son of David's Sister: Defeated the Jebusites
Top of Page
Top of Page