Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?

Background of Abner and Joab

Abner served as the commander of Saul’s army (1 Samuel 14:50–51) and was a central figure in the transition of Israel’s leadership from Saul’s family to David. Joab, in turn, was David’s military leader and the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16). Both men were skilled warriors and influential figures in the tumultuous period following Saul’s death.

Abner held authority under Ish-bosheth, Saul’s surviving son, until political and personal disputes prompted Abner to pledge loyalty to David instead (2 Samuel 3:6–12). This decision would set the stage for the ensuing conflict with Joab, who was deeply loyal to David yet harbored personal anger toward Abner because Abner had killed Joab’s brother, Asahel.

Initial Clashes Between Joab and Abner

The hostility between Joab and Abner began after David was anointed king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth ruled over the rest of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8–10). An early confrontation at the Pool of Gibeon led to a fierce battle, and in that conflict, Asahel—Joab’s brother—relentlessly pursued Abner. Despite Abner’s repeated warnings, Asahel refused to turn aside. Abner defended himself by striking Asahel with the blunt end of his spear, a blow that tragically killed him (2 Samuel 2:19–23).

This confrontation sowed a deep grudge. Ancient Israelite customs acknowledged the “avenger of blood” principle, where a family member might retaliate for a relative’s death (Numbers 35:19). Though the death of Asahel occurred on the battlefield and in an arguably defensive action, Joab and his other brother, Abishai, carried an enduring desire for revenge (2 Samuel 3:30).

Abner’s Decision to Align with David

Even though Abner had earlier fought in opposition to David’s forces, he soon recognized that David was the rightful king over Israel. After a disagreement regarding a concubine of the late King Saul (2 Samuel 3:6–7), Abner became disillusioned with Ish-bosheth’s rule and decided to shift his allegiance to David. Abner approached the elders of Israel with the intent of uniting all the tribes under David’s kingship, fulfilling the long-standing prophecy that David would govern all Israel (2 Samuel 3:8–12).

David welcomed Abner’s offer. Their peace discussions in Hebron promised consolidation of the kingdom and a peaceful resolution to the civil unrest between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner brought the promise of allegiance from the northern tribes, thereby expediting David’s ascent to a united throne.

Joab’s Motives for Killing Abner

1. Vengeance for Asahel’s Death: The primary motive cited in Scripture is Joab’s desire to avenge the death of his brother. Though Abner had slain Asahel in self-defense, Joab considered it a murder requiring retribution (2 Samuel 3:30).

2. Perceived Threat to Joab’s Position: Abner was a formidable military leader, and Joab may have believed his own status would be threatened by Abner’s new alliance with David. David was prepared to receive Abner warmly, potentially elevating Abner’s position in the consolidated kingdom (2 Samuel 3:12–21). Joab’s act underlined his own protective stance toward his role as commander of David’s army.

3. Distrust of Abner’s Intentions: Joab openly questioned Abner’s sincerity and told David he believed Abner might be spying (2 Samuel 3:24–25). This accusation could have been sincere, given the history of conflict, or it may have served as a justification for Joab’s urgent move against Abner.

Location and Circumstances of Abner’s Death

After Abner’s meeting and covenant with David in Hebron, Joab—who had been away on a raid—returned. When he learned of Abner’s presence and the peaceful negotiations, he confronted David. Then Joab, acting independently, sent messengers to bring Abner back under the pretense of further discussions.

Scripture reports, “Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak privately with him, and there he stabbed Abner in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother” (2 Samuel 3:27).

Importantly, Hebron was known as a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7), where one accused of manslaughter could seek safety until properly judged. Abner’s death near or at the gateway circumvented this protection, underscoring that Joab’s act was more murder than legal reprisal.

David’s Reaction and the Greater Narrative

When David learned of Abner’s death, he declared his innocence and lamented, saying, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner” (2 Samuel 3:28). David publicly mourned Abner, gave him a proper burial, and called upon the LORD to judge any wrongdoing (2 Samuel 3:31–39).

David’s distancing from Joab’s action was significant for proving to the tribes of Israel that David had neither ordered nor approved the murder of Abner. This was pivotal in maintaining David’s integrity and securing the loyalty of both Judah and the other tribes.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological remains at Hebron—an ancient city fortified under Canaanite and later Israelite control—align with the biblical narrative of an established settlement during David’s reign. Excavations have uncovered remains dated to the late Bronze and early Iron Ages, consistent with a city of importance that served as David’s first capital (2 Samuel 2:1–4).

The consistency of 2 Samuel in manuscripts—supported by fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls—demonstrates that the details of Abner’s death have been accurately preserved over centuries. The passage describing Joab’s deception and swift murder of Abner remains intact and coherent across the available Hebrew manuscripts, reinforcing the historical reliability of this account.

Conclusion

Joab’s killing of Abner was motivated by unresolved blood feud, fear of displaced authority, and a suspicion of Abner’s pledge to David. Though Abner intended to help unite Israel under David’s rightful rule, Joab’s deeply personal and political concerns led him to commit a vengeful act of homicide. King David condemned the murder, mourning Abner as a revered leader, and underscored his own moral distance from Joab’s deed. The tragic clash underscores the internal tensions of Israel’s transition from the house of Saul to the house of David and is preserved in the manuscript tradition as a cautionary account of misplaced vengeance and political mistrust.