Topical Bible: Joab

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Introduction:
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the historical narratives of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. As the commander of King David's army, Joab played a crucial role in the military and political landscape of Israel during David's reign. His life is marked by loyalty, ambition, and a complex moral character.

Family Background:
Joab was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. He had two brothers, Abishai and Asahel, who were also notable warriors in David's service. The familial connection to David provided Joab with a significant position within the kingdom.

Military Leadership:
Joab's military prowess is evident throughout the biblical narrative. He first emerges as a leader during David's conflict with Saul's house. Joab's strategic acumen is demonstrated in battles against the Philistines, Ammonites, and other adversaries of Israel. His leadership is particularly noted in the capture of Jerusalem, where he became the first to strike the Jebusites, earning him the position of commander of the army (1 Chronicles 11:6).

Key Events and Actions:

1. The Death of Abner:
Joab's role in the death of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, is a significant event. Abner had defected to David, but Joab, seeking revenge for his brother Asahel's death at Abner's hands, deceitfully killed him. This act of vengeance was carried out without David's consent, leading to tension between Joab and the king (2 Samuel 3:27-30).

2. The Siege of Rabbah:
Joab led the siege against the Ammonite city of Rabbah. After capturing the city's water supply, he called for David to lead the final assault, allowing the king to claim the victory (2 Samuel 12:26-29).

3. The Murder of Absalom:
During Absalom's rebellion, Joab played a decisive role in quelling the insurrection. Despite David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom, Joab killed him, prioritizing the stability of the kingdom over the king's personal wishes (2 Samuel 18:14-15).

4. Conflict with David:
Joab's relationship with David was complex. He was both a loyal servant and a source of frustration for the king. Joab's execution of Absalom and his later involvement in the death of Amasa, whom David had appointed as his replacement, highlight his willingness to act independently when he deemed it necessary for the kingdom's security (2 Samuel 20:10).

5. Support for Adonijah:
In the succession crisis following David's old age, Joab supported Adonijah's claim to the throne over Solomon, David's chosen successor. This political miscalculation ultimately led to his downfall (1 Kings 1:7).

Death:
Joab's life ended during the reign of Solomon. After Solomon's ascension, Joab sought refuge at the altar, but he was executed on Solomon's orders for his past actions, including the murders of Abner and Amasa (1 Kings 2:28-34).

Character Analysis:
Joab is a complex character, embodying both loyalty and ruthlessness. His actions often reflect a pragmatic approach to leadership, prioritizing the stability and security of the kingdom over personal relationships and moral considerations. Despite his flaws, Joab's contributions to David's reign and the establishment of Israel as a powerful nation are undeniable.

Biblical References:
· 2 Samuel 2:13-32
· 2 Samuel 3:22-39
· 2 Samuel 10:7-14
· 2 Samuel 11:14-25
· 2 Samuel 18:1-33
· 2 Samuel 20:4-13
· 1 Kings 1:5-53
· 1 Kings 2:28-34
· 1 Chronicles 11:4-6

Joab's life and actions provide a rich study of leadership, loyalty, and the moral complexities faced by those in positions of power. His account is a testament to the intricate dynamics of David's court and the challenges of maintaining a unified kingdom.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Joab

paternity; voluntary

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Joab

(whose father is Jehovah), the most remarkable of the three nephews of David, the children of Zeruiah, David's sister. (B.C. 1053-1012.) Joab first appears after David's accession to the throne at Hebron. Abner slew in battle Asahel, the youngest brother of Joab; and when David afterward received Abner into favor, Joab treacherously murdered him. [ABNER] There was now no rival left in the way of Joab's advancement, and at the siege of Jebus he was appointed for his prowess commander-in-chief --"captain of the host." In the wide range of wars which David undertook, Joab was the acting general. He was called by the almost regal title of "lord," (2 Samuel 11:11) "the prince of the king's army." (1 Chronicles 27:34) In the entangled relations which grew up in David's domestic life he bore an important part, successfully reinstating Absalom in David's favor after the murder of Amnon. (2 Samuel 14:1-20) When the relations between father and son were reversed by the revolt of Absalom, Joab remained true to the king, taking the rebel prince's dangerous life in spite of David's injunction to spare him, and when no one else had courage to act so decisive a part. (2 Samuel 18:2,11-15) (B.C. 1023). The king transferred the command to Amasa, which so enraged Joab that he adroitly assassinated Amasa when pretending to welcome him as a friend. (2 Samuel 20:10) Friendly relations between himself and David seem to have existed afterward, (2 Samuel 24:2) but at the close of his long life, his loyalty, so long unshaken, at last wavered. "Though he had not turned after Absalom, he turned after Adonijah." (1 Kings 2:28) This probably filled up the measure of the king's long-cherished resentment. The revival of the pretensions of Adonijah after David's death was sufficient to awaken the suspicions of Solomon. Joab fled to the shelter of the altar at Gibeon, and was here slain by Benaiah. (B.C. about 1012.)

One of Kenaz's descendants. (1 Chronicles 4:14)
(Ezra 2:6; 8:9; Nehemiah 7:11)

ATS Bible Dictionary

Joab

Son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and brother of Abishai and Asahel, was the commander of David's army during almost the whole of his reign, 2 Samuel 5:6-10. He was a valiant warrior, and an able general; and his great influence on public affairs was often exerted for good, as in the rebellion of Absalom, and the numbering of Israel, 2 Samuel 18:1-19:42 24:1-25. But as a man he was imperious, revengeful, and unscrupulous: witness his treacherous assassination of Abner, and of his cousin Amasa, 2 Samuel 3:27 20:9-10; his bearing towards David, 2 Samuel 3:39 19:5, and connivance with him in the matter of Uriah; his slaying Absalom, and conspiring with Adonijah against the divinely appointed heir to the throne; for all which he was at length put to death by order of Solomon, 1 Kings 2:1-46.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Jehovah is his father.

(1.) One of the three sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, and "captain of the host" during the whole of David's reign (2 Samuel 2:13; 10:7; 11:1; 1 Kings 11:15). His father's name is nowhere mentioned, although his sepulchre at Bethlehem is mentioned (2 Samuel 2:32). His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner (2 Samuel 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). He afterwards led the assault at the storming of the fortress on Mount Zion, and for this service was raised to the rank of "prince of the king's army" (2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 27:34). His chief military achievements were, (1) against the allied forces of Syria and Ammon; (2) against Edom (1 Kings 11:15, 16); and (3) against the Ammonites (2 Samuel 10:7-19; 11:1, 11). His character is deeply stained by the part he willingly took in the murder of Uriah (11:14-25). He acted apparently from a sense of duty in putting Absalom to death (18:1-14). David was unmindful of the many services Joab had rendered to him, and afterwards gave the command of the army to Amasa, Joab's cousin (2 Samuel 20:1-13; 19:13). When David was dying Joab espoused the cause of Adonijah in preference to that of Solomon. He was afterwards slain by Benaiah, by the command of Solomon, in accordance with his father's injunction (2 Samuel 3:29; 20:5-13), at the altar to which he had fled for refuge. Thus this hoary conspirator died without one to lift up a voice in his favour. He was buried in his own property in the "wilderness," probably in the north-east of Jerusalem (1 Kings 2:5, 28-34). Benaiah succeeded him as commander-in-chief of the army.

(2.) 1 Chronicles 4:14.

(3.) Ezra 2:6.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

JOAB

jo'-ab (yo'-abh, "Yahweh is father"; Ioab):

(1) Son of Zeruiah, David's sister. He was "captain of the host" (compare 2 Samuel 19:13) under David.

1. Joab and Abner:

(a) Joab is first introduced in the narrative of the war with Abner, who supported the claims of Ishbosheth to the throne against those of David (2 Samuel 2:8-3:1). The two armies met, and on Abner's suggestion a tournament took place between 12 men from each side; a general engagement follows, and in this Joab's army is victorious. Asahel, Joab's brother, is killed in his pursuit of Abner, but the latter's army is sorely pressed, and he appeals to Joab for a cessation of hostilities. Joab calls a halt, but declares that he would not cease had Abner not made his plea.

(b) 2 Samuel 3:12-29. Abner visits David at Hebron, and makes an alliance with David. He then leaves the town, apparently under royal protection. Joab is absent at the time, but returns immediately after Abner's departure, and expostulates with David for not avenging Asahel's death, and at the same time attributes a bad motive to Abner's visit. He sends a message, no doubt in the form of a royal command, for Abner to return; the chief does so, is taken aside "into the midst of the gate" (or as Septuagint and commentators read, "into the side of the gate," 2 Samuel 3:27), and slain there by Joab. David proclaims his own innocence in the matter, commands Joab as well as the people to mourn publicly for the dead hero (2 Samuel 3:31), composes a lament for Abner, and pronounces a curse upon Joab and his descendants (2 Samuel 3:30 is regarded as an editorial note, and commentators change 2 Samuel 3:39).

2. The Ammonite War: Death of Uriah:

(a) 2 Samuel 10:1-14 1 Chronicles 19:1-15. David sends ambassadors with his good wishes to Hanun on his ascending the throne of the Ammonites; these are ill-treated, and war follows, David's troops being commanded by Joab. On finding himself placed between the Ammonites on the one hand, and their Syrian allies on the other, he divides his army, and himself leads one division against the Syrians, leaving Abishai, his brother, to fight the Ammonites; the defeat of the Syrians is followed by the rout of the ammonites.

(b) 2 Samuel 10:15-19 1 Chronicles 19:16-19 describes a second war between Hadarezer and David. Joab is not mentioned here.

(c) 2 Samuel 11:1 narrates the resumption of the war against the Ammonites; Joab is in command, and the town of Rabbah is besieged. Here occurs the account of David's sin with Bathsheba, omitted by Chronicles. David gets Joab to send Uriah, her husband, to Jerusalem, and when he refuses to break the soldier's vow (11:6-13), Joab is used to procure Uriah's death in the siege, and the general then sends news of it to David (11:14-27). After capturing the `water-city' of Rabbah, Joab sends for David to complete the capture and lead the triumph himself (12:26-29).

3. Joab and Absalom:

(a) The next scene depicts Joab attempting and succeeding in his attempt to get Absalom restored to royal favor. He has noticed that "the king's heart is toward Absalom" (2 Samuel 14:1), and so arranges for "a wise woman" of Tekoa to bring a supposed complaint of her own before the king, and then rebuke him for his treatment of Absalom. The plan succeeds. David sees Joab's hand in it, and gives him permission to bring Absalom to Jerusalem. But the rebel has to remain in his own house, and is not allowed to see his father (2 Samuel 14:1-24).

(b) Absalom attempts to secure Joab's intercession for a complete restoration to his father's confidence. Joab turns a deaf ear to the request until his field is put on fire by Absalom's command. He then sees Absalom, and gets David to receive his prodigal son back into the royal home (2 Samuel 14:28-33).

(c) Absalom revolts, and makes Amasa, another nephew of David, general instead of Joab (2 Samuel 17:24 f). David flees to Mahanaim, followed by Absalom. Joab is given a third of the army, the other divisions being led by Abishai and Ittai. He is informed that Absalom has been caught in a tree (or thicket), and expostulates with the informer for not having killed him. Although he is reminded of David's tender plea that Absalom be kindly dealt with, he dispatches the rebel himself, and afterward calls for a general halt of the army. When David gives vent to his feelings of grief, he is sternly rebuked by Joab, and the rebuke has its effect (2 Samuel 17-19:8).

4. Joab and Amasa:

2 Samuel 19:8 b-15. On David's return to Jerusalem, Amasa is made "captain of the host" instead of Joab (19:13). Then Sheba revolts, Amasa loses time in making preparation for quelling it, and Abishai is bidden by David to take the field (20:6). The Syriac version reads "Joab" for "Abishai" in this verse, and some commentators follow it, but Septuagint supports Massoretic Text. Joab seems to have accompanied Abishai; and when Amasa meets them at Gibeon, Joab, on pretense of kissing his rival, kills him. He then assumes command, is followed by Amasa's men, and arranges with a woman of Abel beth-maacah to deliver to him Sheba's head. The revolt is then at an end.

5. Joab's Death:

Joab subsequently opposed David's suggestion of a census, but eventually carried it out (2 Samuel 24:1-9 1 Chronicles 21:1-6), yet 1 Chronicles 21:6 and 27:24 relate that he did not carry it out fully. He was one of Adonijah's supporters in his claim to the throne (1 Kings 1:7, 19, 41). For this he had to pay the penalty with his life, being slain at the altar in the "Tent of Yahweh" (1 Kings 2:28-34) by Benaiah, who acted upon Solomon's orders. His murderer became his successor as head of the army. 1 Kings 2:5 makes David advise Solomon not to forget that Joab slew Abner and Amasa, and 1 Kings 11:14-22 contains a reference to the dread of his name in Edom. 1 Chronicles 11:6 makes him win his spurs first at the capture of Jerusalem, but 2 Samuel 2; 2 Samuel 3 are previous in time to this event (compare 2 Samuel 5:6-10), and 1 Chronicles 11:8 makes him repair the city, while 1 Chronicles 26:28 refers to a dedication of armor by him.

6. Joab's Character:

In summing up Joab's character, we must remember the stirring times in which he lived. That he was a most able general, there is no doubt. He was, however, very jealous of his position, and this accounts for Amasa's murder, if not partially for that of Abner too: if he was afraid that Abner would supplant him, that fear may be held to be justified, for Amasa, who had not been too loyal to David did take Joab's place for a time. But blood revenge for Asahel's death was perhaps the chief cause. Yet even when judged in the light of those rough times, and in the light of eastern life, the murder of Abner was a foul, treacherous deed (see Trumbull, Studies in Oriental Social Life, 129-31).

Joab opposed the census probably because it was an innovation. His rebuke of David's great grief over Absalom's death can only be characterized as just; he is the stern warrior who, after being once merciful and forgiving, will not again spare a deceitful rebel; and yet David shows how a father's conduct toward a prodigal, rebellious son is not regulated by stern justice. Joab's unswerving loyalty to David leads one to believe that no disloyalty was meant by his support of Adonijah, who was really the rightful heir to the throne. But their plans were defeated by those of the harem, and Joab had to pay the price with his life.

Taken as a whole, his life, as depicted in the very reliable narrative of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, may be said to be as characteristic of the times as that of David himself, with a truly Homeric ring about it. He was a great man, great in military prowess and also in personal revenge, in his loyalty to the king as well as in his stern rebuke of his royal master. He was the greatest of David's generals, and the latter's success and glory owed much to this noblest of that noble trio whom Zeruiah bore.

(2) A Judahite, father or founder of Ge-harashim (1 Chronicles 4:14, "valley of craftsmen" the Revised Version margin).

SeeGE-HARASHIM.

(3) A family of returned exiles (Ezra 2:6 parallel Nehemiah 7:11 Ezra 8:9; 1Es 8:35).

(4) SeeATROTH-BETH-JOAB.

David Francis Roberts

Strong's Hebrew

8483. Tachtim Chodshi -- a place visited by Joab
... Tachtim Chodshi. 8484 . a place visited by Joab. Transliteration: Tachtim Chodshi
Phonetic Spelling: (takh-teem' khod-shee') Short Definition: Tahtim-hodshi. ...
/hebrew/8483.htm - 6k

3097. Yoab -- "the LORD is father," three Israelites
... "the LORD is father," three Israelites. Transliteration: Yoab Phonetic Spelling:
(yo-awb') Short Definition: Joab. ... NASB Word Usage Joab (136), Joab's (8). Joab. ...
/hebrew/3097.htm - 6k

5854. Atroth Beth Yoab -- a place in Judah
... a place in Judah. Transliteration: Atroth Beth Yoab Phonetic Spelling: (at-roth'
bayth yo-awb') Short Definition: Atroth-beth-joab. ... Ataroth the house of Joab. ...
/hebrew/5854.htm - 6k

Library

A Broken-Hearted Father
... And he divided the troops into three divisions; one was under the command of Joab,
another under Abishai, and another under the command of Ittai. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a broken-hearted father.htm

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... THIEF. One evening, while Joab was besieging Rabbath Ammon, David rose
from his bed and walked upon the roof of the royal palace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm

David's Sin.
... THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER XXIV. DAVID'S SIN. The army of Israel was at war
with the Ammonites, and Joab was the chief captain. David ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv davids sin.htm

David's Sorrow.
... him for two years. Then Absalom forced Joab to bring him to the king's
house by setting Joab's barley field on fire. He was false ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead of Joab his kinsman: his
father was Ithra and his mother Abigail: now she and Zeruiah, the mother of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

'More than Conquerors through Him'
... in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob,
and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.9. When Joab saw that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/more than conquerors through him.htm

The Fifth
... Joab is not there, though "Abishai, the brother of Joab," is there (2 Samuel
23:18); "Asahel, the brother of Joab," is there (verse 24); "Nahari...armour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth.htm

National Sins and Miseries
... "And David said to Joab, and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel, from
Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 130 national sins and.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... II. The sad defection to Adonijah of such tried friends as Joab and Abiathar
has its lesson. The reason for Joab's treachery is plain. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

The Wail of a Broken Heart
... enemies.20. And Joab said unto him. Thou shalt ... Then said Joab to Cushi, Go
tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the wail of a broken.htm

Thesaurus

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner
(2 Samuel 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Joab's (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Joab's (13 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 26:6 And David
spake and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai ...
/j/joab's.htm - 10k

Beth-joab (1 Occurrence)
Beth-joab. Bethjesimoth, Beth-joab. Bethleaphrah . Multi-Version
Concordance Beth-joab (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/beth-joab.htm - 6k

Atroth-beth-joab (1 Occurrence)
Atroth-beth-joab. Atrothbethjoab, Atroth-beth-joab. At'roth-beth-jo'
ab . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATROTH-BETH-JOAB. ...
/a/atroth-beth-joab.htm - 7k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)
Jo'ab's. Joab's, Jo'ab's. Joachaz . ... 2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said to his
servants, "Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there. ...
/j/jo'ab's.htm - 8k

Amasa (13 Occurrences)
... He was appointed by David to command the army in room of his cousin Joab (2 Samuel
19:13), who afterwards treacherously put him to death as a dangerous rival ...
/a/amasa.htm - 13k

Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)
Ama'sa. Amasa, Ama'sa. Amasai . Multi-Version Concordance Ama'sa (12 Occurrences).
2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom had set Amasa over the host instead of Joab. ...
/a/ama'sa.htm - 10k

Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to ...
/a/abi'shai.htm - 14k

As'ahel (17 Occurrences)
... As'ahel (17 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab,
and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle. ...
/a/as'ahel.htm - 11k

Resources

Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Joab (128 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 26:6
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, "Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?" Abishai said, "I will go down with you."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:13
Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met them 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.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:14
Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:22
Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:24
But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:26
Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don't you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you bid the people return from following their brothers?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:27
Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:30
Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 2:32
They took up Asahel, and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:22
Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:23
When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:24
Then Joab came to the king, and said, "What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is quite gone?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:26
When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn't know it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:29
Let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:30
So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 3:31
David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes, and gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. King David followed the bier.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 8:16
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 10:7
When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty men.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 10:9
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 10:13
So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 10:14
When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 11:1
It happened, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 11:6
David sent to Joab, saying, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." Joab sent Uriah to David.
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2 Samuel 11:7
When Uriah was come to him, David asked of him how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered.
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2 Samuel 11:11
Uriah said to David, "The ark, Israel, and Judah, are staying in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open field. Shall I then go into my house to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing!"
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2 Samuel 11:14
It happened in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
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2 Samuel 11:16
It happened, when Joab kept watch on the city, that he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew that valiant men were.
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2 Samuel 11:17
The men of the city went out, and fought with Joab. Some of the people fell, even of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
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2 Samuel 11:18
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
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2 Samuel 11:22
So the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for.
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2 Samuel 11:25
Then David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall tell Joab,'Don't let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Make your battle stronger against the city, and overthrow it.' Encourage him."
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2 Samuel 12:26
Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.
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2 Samuel 12:27
Joab sent messengers to David, and said, "I have fought against Rabbah. Yes, I have taken the city of waters.
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2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
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2 Samuel 14:2
Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, "Please act like a mourner, and put on mourning clothing, please, and don't anoint yourself with oil, but be as a woman who has mourned a long time for the dead.
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2 Samuel 14:3
Go in to the king, and speak like this to him." So Joab put the words in her mouth.
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2 Samuel 14:19
The king said, "Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?" The woman answered, "As your soul lives, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken; for your servant Joab, he urged me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your handmaid;
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2 Samuel 14:20
to change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing. My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth."
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2 Samuel 14:21
The king said to Joab, "Behold now, I have done this thing. Go therefore, bring the young man Absalom back."
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2 Samuel 14:22
Joab fell to the ground on his face, and did obeisance, and blessed the king. Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant."
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2 Samuel 14:23
So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 14:29
Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king; but he would not come to him: and he sent again a second time, but he would not come.
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2 Samuel 14:30
Therefore he said to his servants, "Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
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2 Samuel 14:31
Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom to his house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"
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2 Samuel 14:32
Absalom answered Joab, "Behold, I sent to you, saying,'Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still. Now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me."'"
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2 Samuel 14:33
So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
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2 Samuel 17:25
Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother.
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2 Samuel 18:2
David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the people, "I will surely go forth with you myself also."
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2 Samuel 18:5
The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom." All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom.
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2 Samuel 18:10
A certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, "Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak."
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2 Samuel 18:11
Joab said to the man who told him, "Behold, you saw it, and why didn't you strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten pieces of silver, and a sash."
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2 Samuel 18:12
The man said to Joab, "Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn't put forth my hand against the king's son; for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying,'Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.'
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2 Samuel 18:14
Then Joab said, "I'n not going to wait like this with you." He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
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2 Samuel 18:15
Ten young men who bore Joab's armor surrounded and struck Absalom, and killed him.
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2 Samuel 18:16
Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.
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2 Samuel 18:20
Joab said to him, "You shall not be the bearer of news this day, but you shall bear news another day. But today you shall bear no news, because the king's son is dead."
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2 Samuel 18:21
Then said Joab to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen!" The Cushite bowed himself to Joab, and ran.
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2 Samuel 18:22
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, "But come what may, please let me also run after the Cushite." Joab said, "Why do you want to run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?"
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2 Samuel 18:23
"But come what may," he said, "I will run." He said to him, "Run!" Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 18:29
The king said, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" Ahimaaz answered, "When Joab sent the king's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was."
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2 Samuel 19:1
It was told Joab, "Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Absalom."
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2 Samuel 19:5
Joab came into the house to the king, and said, "You have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, who this day have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines;
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2 Samuel 19:13
Say to Amasa,'Aren't you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren't captain of the army before me continually in the room of Joab.'"
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2 Samuel 20:7
There went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:8
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was girded with his apparel of war that he had put on, and thereon was a sash with a sword fastened on his waist in its sheath; and as he went forth it fell out.
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2 Samuel 20:9
Joab said to Amasa, "Is it well with you, my brother?" Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
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2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand. So he struck him with it in the body, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and didn't strike him again; and he died. Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:11
There stood by him one of Joab's young men, and said, "He who favors Joab, and he who is for David, let him follow Joab!"
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2 Samuel 20:13
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:15
They came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people who were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
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2 Samuel 20:16
Then a wise woman cried out of the city, "Hear, hear! Please say to Joab,'Come near here, that I may speak with you.'"
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2 Samuel 20:17
He came near to her; and the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." Then she said to him, "Hear the words of your handmaid." He answered, "I do hear."
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2 Samuel 20:20
Joab answered, "Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
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2 Samuel 20:21
The matter is not so. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David. Deliver him only, and I will depart from the city." The woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall."
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2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
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2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;
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2 Samuel 23:18
Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.
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2 Samuel 23:24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
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2 Samuel 23:37
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
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2 Samuel 24:2
The king said to Joab the captain of the army, who was with him, "Now go back and forth through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the sum of the people."
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2 Samuel 24:3
Joab said to the king, "Now may Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?"
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2 Samuel 24:4
Notwithstanding, the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
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2 Samuel 24:9
Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
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1 Kings 1:7
He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.
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1 Kings 1:19
He has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn't called Solomon your servant.
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1 Kings 1:41
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, "Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?"
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1 Kings 2:5
"Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was about his waist, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
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1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, "Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also; for he is my elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah."
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1 Kings 2:28
The news came to Joab; for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he didn't turn after Absalom. Joab fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
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1 Kings 2:29
It was told king Solomon, "Joab has fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and behold, he is by the altar." Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, "Go, fall on him."
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1 Kings 2:30
Benaiah came to the Tent of Yahweh, and said to him, "Thus says the king,'Come forth!'" He said, "No; but I will die here." Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, "Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me."
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1 Kings 2:31
The king said to him, "Do as he has said, and fall on him, and bury him; that you may take away the blood, which Joab shed without cause, from me and from my father's house.
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1 Kings 2:33
So shall their blood return on the head of Joab, and on the head of his seed forever. But to David, and to his seed, and to his house, and to his throne, there shall be peace forever from Yahweh."
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1 Kings 2:34
Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell on him, and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 11:15
For it happened, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the army was gone up to bury the slain, and had struck every male in Edom
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1 Kings 11:16
(for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom);
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1 Kings 11:21
When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, "Let me depart, that I may go to my own country."
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Subtopics

Joab

Joab: "The Household of Joab"

Joab: A Grandson of Kenaz

Joab: An Israelite Whose Descendants Returned from Babylon to Jerusalem

Joab: Son of David's Sister

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