Topical Encyclopedia Joab, the son of Zeruiah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his military prowess and complex character. As the commander of King David's army, Joab played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining David's kingdom. However, his life and actions are often marked by malice, particularly in his dealings with those he perceived as threats or rivals.Background and Rise to Power Joab first appears in the biblical narrative as one of David's nephews, being the son of Zeruiah, David's sister (1 Chronicles 2:16). He quickly rises to prominence as a military leader, demonstrating his capabilities in various battles. His loyalty to David is evident, yet his methods often reflect a ruthless and self-serving nature. Malicious Actions 1. Murder of Abner: One of Joab's most notorious acts of malice is the murder of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. After Abner defects to David's side, Joab, driven by personal vendetta and fear of losing his position, deceitfully lures Abner into a private meeting and kills him. This act is described in 2 Samuel 3:27: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother." 2. Killing of Amasa: Joab's malice is further demonstrated in his dealings with Amasa, whom David appoints as commander of the army in Joab's place. Feigning friendship, Joab greets Amasa with a kiss and then treacherously kills him. This incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 20:9-10: "Joab said to Amasa, 'Is it well with you, my brother?' And with his right hand Joab took hold of Amasa’s beard to kiss him. But Amasa did not notice the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab struck him in the stomach and spilled his intestines to the ground. He did not need to strike him again, and Amasa died." 3. Role in Absalom's Death: Joab's malice is also evident in his role in the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son. Despite David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom, Joab takes matters into his own hands and kills him, as described in 2 Samuel 18:14-15: "But Joab said, 'I will not wait like this for you.' So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree. And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him." Character and Legacy Joab's actions reveal a man driven by ambition, loyalty to David, and a willingness to use malice to achieve his ends. His life is a study in contrasts—loyalty and betrayal, courage and cruelty. Despite his significant contributions to David's reign, Joab's legacy is marred by his malicious deeds, which ultimately lead to his downfall. Solomon, David's son and successor, orders Joab's execution, fulfilling David's instructions to deal with Joab's bloodguilt (1 Kings 2:5-6, 28-34). Joab's account serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of malice and the consequences of allowing personal vendettas and ambition to override righteousness and justice. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 3:27And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 2:5,28-33 Library The Sixth Commandment National Sins and Miseries The Way of Life and the Way of Death. Discussion of the Subject of Permission Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly The Census of Israel Of Civil Government. Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Resources What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is it necessary to rebuke another believer? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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