Topical Encyclopedia The "Kiss of Joab" refers to the treacherous act by which Joab, the commander of King David's army, killed Amasa, who had been appointed by David to replace Joab as commander. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 20:8-10.Context and Background Amasa was the son of Abigail, David's sister, making him David's nephew and Joab's cousin. After the rebellion of Absalom, David sought to unify the kingdom and appointed Amasa as commander of the army in place of Joab, who had previously killed Absalom against David's explicit orders (2 Samuel 19:13). This appointment was likely intended to reconcile the factions within Israel, as Amasa had been the commander of Absalom's forces. The Treacherous Act The incident occurred during the rebellion of Sheba, a Benjamite who sought to divide Israel against David. David ordered Amasa to assemble the men of Judah within three days to pursue Sheba. However, Amasa delayed beyond the appointed time. Consequently, David instructed Abishai, Joab's brother, to take the king's servants and pursue Sheba, with Joab accompanying him. As they reached the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab, wearing his military attire and with a dagger in his hand, approached Amasa. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the moment as follows: "When they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. As he stepped forward, it slipped out. Joab said to Amasa, 'Are you well, my brother?' And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled his intestines on the ground. Joab did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died." (2 Samuel 20:8-10) Analysis The "Kiss of Joab" is emblematic of betrayal and treachery. Joab's act of greeting Amasa with a kiss, a gesture of friendship and respect, was a ruse to lower Amasa's defenses. The kiss, combined with the act of grabbing Amasa's beard—a customary gesture of greeting—was used to conceal Joab's lethal intent. This act of deception highlights Joab's ruthless nature and his determination to retain power and influence within David's military hierarchy. Joab's actions can be seen as a violation of the trust and loyalty expected among kin and comrades. His willingness to murder Amasa, his own cousin, underscores the political intrigue and personal ambition that characterized much of the power struggles during King David's reign. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the "Kiss of Joab" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can result from a desire for power. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and betrayal. Joab's actions, while politically expedient, ultimately contributed to the cycle of violence and retribution that plagued David's kingdom. The event also foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who similarly used a kiss to betray the Son of Man (Matthew 26:48-49). Both instances serve as poignant reminders of the duplicity that can exist within human relationships and the profound impact of betrayal. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 20:9,10And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. Nave's Topical Index Library How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ... Resources Questions about Psalms | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Solomon refer to his wife as his sister (Song of Solomon 4:9)? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org Kiss: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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