Successful Military Leader with Character Flaws
Joab serves as the commander of David’s army. He realizes much success as a military leader, but he has some severe character issues. Here are three stories about Joab.
As we learned in the chapter about Abner, after he defects to David’s camp with a plan to bring all of Israel under David’s rule, Joab—unbeknownst to David—summons Abner back and stabs him to death.
He does this in retaliation for Abner killing his brother in battle. Joab, however, does this during a time of peace. This makes Abner’s death a murder.
Next, during Absalom’s coup to seize his father’s throne, David runs for his life. Even so, he tells all his men to be gentle with Absalom when they encounter him.
Everyone hears David’s instruction, but Joab ignores it. He kills Absalom the first chance he gets. He doesn’t care that he violates the king’s command.
What we don’t know, however, is if Joab does this because he thinks it’s in David’s best interest or because Absalom chose Amasa to lead his coup and didn’t tap Joab. Regardless, Absalom is dead, and David is despondent over what Joab did.
In our third story of Joab, David makes Amasa—Joab’s cousin—commander for life over his army instead of Joab. This may be to express his displeasure over Joab killing Absalom contrary to David’s command.
Regardless of David’s motivation, Joab murders Amasa during a time of peace.
Though Joab did do some good in his life, we remember him for murdering Abner and Amasa, as well as killing Absalom.
What are we known for?
How can we elevate the importance of our character over our achievements?
[Read about Joab in 2 Samuel 3:26–27, 2 Samuel 18:9–17, and 2 Samuel 20:9–10. Discover more in 1 Kings 2:5–6.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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