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Category: Personal Study
Thread: Game of Thrones
Post Topic: Joab the Bad – The Treacherous, Defiant, Unscrupulous Thug
(Three-day Study)
Post in Thread: #25
Previous: Joab the Good – The King’s Loyal and Daring Fixer
Next: Beneniah
Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:1-6
Background
God never allowed King David to build the Holy Temple because David was a man of violence and war. Although known for killing the Philistine giant Goliath, that feat only scratched the surface of his military exploits. His wars ranged from external foes like the Philistines and Amorites to internal foes like civil wars against the House of Saul and a revolt led by his own son, Absalom.
By David’s side, through it all, was his right-hand man Joab. But in contrast to the previous post that examined Joab’s positive traits, the studies in this post will spotlight the destructive attributes that led to his demise: His defiance, his treachery, and his blind ambition.
Part I – Joab’s Defiance – Taking Matters into his own Bloody Hands
Note – this is part 1 of a 3-part study of the negative qualities of David’s fixer, Joab. We suggest reading each part as a single day’s Bible study. The previous post examined the positive traits of this complicated commander. This follow-up study examines Joab’s negative qualities that ultimately led to his execution.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:5-17
Passage: 2 Samuel 18:5-17
Key Verses:
Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree.
2 Samuel 18:14
Observations
Context
David’s son Absalom instigated a rebellion, forcing David to flee Jerusalem to the outer reaches of the kingdom (the region of Gilead). Absalom took the City of David without a fight, and gathered the forces of Israel (the northern half of the kingdom) against David’s men. Joab and David’s mighty men remained loyal, along with a band of Philistine warriors. Together, they made a stand in the forest of Ephraim near the city of Mahanaim.
The commander of Absalom’s forces? Amasa, Joab’s cousin. But rather than join Amasa in a revolt that would have succeeded with Joab’s participation, Joab instead remained loyal to David. As we shall see, however, this doesn’t mean Joab would obey every command of his king.
David’s Instructions (v1-5)
The commanders convince David to hole up within the safety of the city while they take on Absalom and Amasa. David’s final instructions imply he foresees a victory. But in spite of Absalom’s rebellion, he doesn’t want his son to die. He instructs the commanders to spare Absalom (and all the troops heard), saying:
“Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.”
Victory (v6-9)
- Absalom’s troops were routed by David’s men. Casualties numbered over 20,000.
- Absalom himself, known for his beatiful head of hair, was jerked off his mule, his hair ensnared by a low-hanging branch.
Taking Matters Into his own Hands (v10-17)
A young warrior saw Absalom hanging in the tree and reported it to Joab. “Why didn’t you kill him?” Joab said. “I’d have given you 10 shekels.” The warrior demonstrated his integrity, telling his commander that he wouldn’t defy King David for 10,000 shekels.
Joab declared that he wouldn’t wait around like this soldier. He found Absalom and thrust three javelins into his body. Ten of Joab’s armor bearers joined in, surrounding Absalom and killing him. (Why do you suppose Joab needed ten armor bearers?)
Joab blew his trumpet to end the fighting. They buried Absalom’s body in a pit under a pile of stones.
Interpretation
Author/Genre
Samuel wrote the history of Israel’s monarchies in his books.
Setting
The showdown with Absalom’s forces took place in a mountainous, forested area to the east of the Jordan River. The nearest city was Mahanaim, which served as a base of operations for David and his forces.
To Ponder
Joab took the action that David probably should have taken. Allowing Absalom to live would have permitted old wounds to fester. He wasn’t given an immoral order. Just an unwise one. Did he do the right thing by directly disobeying his king?
Takeaways
- Joab figured that he knew better than the king.
- He wanted to make a spectacle of Absalom. Absalom was guilty of treason and deserved death, regardless of whether he was David’s son.
- He knew David wouldn’t allow Absalom to be killed.
- Rather than convince David to issue the punishment that Absalom deserved, Joab took matters into his own hands.
- Joab was daring to defy the king openly like this. Having his armor bearers join in the execution was a show of force and solidarity of the troops designed to avoid repercussions from the king.
- Burying Absalom in a pit and covering him with stones would serve as a reminder of what happens to traitors.
Imagine
It doesn’t take much to imagine what this scene was like. The story of Absalom’s death is well-described in 2 Samuel 18:10-15. The soldier who discovered Absalom was afraid and unwilling to defy King David. Imagine what that same soldier thought watching Joab openly kill Absalom.
A Disturbing Pattern
Killing Absalom wasn’t the first time Joab had taken matters into his own hands and defied the king with a bloody, vengeful act. In 2 Samuel 3:26-30, we have the story of how Joab killed Saul’s former commander, Abner, in cold blood. Abner had facilitated the end of the civil war between David’s forces and what was left of the house of Saul. David and Abner had reached a peace agreement. Joab defied his king by murdering Abner under the guise of wanting a peaceful talk.
Part of Joab’s motive was revenge for Abner’s killing Joab’s brother years earlier. Part of it was that Joab thought he knew better than the king and would completely put an end to any future threat from Saul’s remnants.
David should have disposed of Joab then and there, but was actually afraid of his own commander (2 Samuel 3:39).
Correlation
- Matthew 22:17-21
- Jesus was questioned about whether Jews should pay taxes to Caesar. It was an attempt to trap Jesus and discredit him no matter what his answer.
- In response, he asked whose picture is on the coin. “Caesar,” they said.
- His answer: “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. But give unto God what belongs to him.”
- Implied in this answer – we are subject to our earthly authorities. God has put them in place. We are to obey them to the extent that our actions would not violate our commitment to God.
Application
Generic Applications
Joab didn’t agree with David’s merciful stance toward Absalom. David’s stance was likely the wrong stance. But Joab was not in charge. The order to protect Absalom was not a direct violation of God’s laws. It would have been reasonable for Joab to counsel David against sparing Absalom. But outright public defiance of God’s anointed king only served to weaken David in the eyes of the people, and to diminish Joab’s standing in the eyes of the king.
God has allowed our leaders to take the positions they occupy. Whether it be a king or a president or a CEO or a pastor, God has ordained that they occupy their position for a particular period of time. We might not like them or their decisions, but outright defiance is not our calling. Obviously, there are exceptions. If we are instructed to lie or steal or kill we should take a stand. But otherwise, we are called to submit to the leadership that is in place, even if the leadership is secular.
How much the more should Joab have obeyed, given that David was not secular – he was anointed directly by God’s prophet Samuel?
Personalize it
We’ve discussed submitting to worldly leaders that God has installed. But let’s take the idea of submission to a deeper level. Are we in complete submission to God?
- Do I sometimes think I know better than God?
- Maybe inside I know that God knows better. But do I want my way too much to listen to that voice?
- Is there any part of my life that is not in submission to God? Lord, how can I root that out?
Bible study methodology adapted from Searching the Scriptures with permission from Tyndale House:
Swindoll, Charles, Searching the Scriptures. Tyndale House Publishers, 2016.
Part II – Treacherous, Unscrupulous Ambition
Note – this is part 2 of a 3-part study of the negative qualities of David’s fixer, Joab. We suggest reading each part as a single day’s Bible study. The previous post examined the positive traits of this complicated commander. This follow-up study examines Joab’s negative qualities that ultimately led to his execution.
Scripture
Passage: 2 Samuel 20:1-13
Key Verses:
8 While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath.
I Samuel 20:8-10a
9 Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died.
Observations
Context
In Part I we studied how Joab defied King David, again, in the killing of David’s insurrectionist son Absalom. In the ensuing months, David worked to ease tensions between Judah and Israel. He even went so far as to offer Amasa, the commander of Absalom’s forces, to take Joab’s place as David’s new commander. If you look at the chart above of the House of David, you’ll notice that Joab and Amasa are cousins.
David’s move served two purposes – most importantly, David intended to unify the 12 tribes under his leadership, and saw this olive branch as a way to heal from the civil war. Second, David saw an opportunity to finally phase Joab out of his administration. For too long, Joab had gone unchecked and unpunished. And Joab had openly flaunted his power by publicly executing Absalom.
Amasa’s First Assignment (2 Samuel 20:1-4)
- In spite of David’s efforts to unify the tribes, a northerner named Sheba stirred up the men of Israel to rebel against David.
- David instructed Amasa to rally the men of Judah to track down Sheba and put down the uprising.
- Amasa struggled to get everyone together. Maybe they were tired of fighting. Maybe they trusted Joab more. Whatever the case, it took Amasa too long to gather the troops, and Sheba’s men were escaping.
David turns to Joab’s Brother (2 Samuel 20:5-7)
- David had given Amasa 3 days. When Amasa didn’t return in time, David turned to Joab’s brother, Abishai.
- David told him to gather his men and pursue Sheba, saying that this man could be more devastating than Absalom.
- Abishai worked with Joab to march out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba.
- David didn’t even consult Joab as a fallback – instead he turned to Abishai.
Joab’s Treachery (2 Samuel 20:8-13)
- Amasa met Abishai and Joab on the road, at Gibeon, by a well-known rock. This seemed to be an oft-used meeting place.
- Joab approached Amasa with a kiss, like Judas. “How are you, my brother?” Joab said to his cousin.
- Joab made it seem that his blade hung loosely and was slipping out. He grabbed it and plunged it into Amasa’s heart, killing him with a single blow.
- As any soldier of Judah would approach, Joab’s man would rally them to join his cause, essentially claiming that the fallen Amasa was a traitor. The bloody body proved to be too much of a distraction and had to be covered with a garment.
- Everyone rallied behind Joab in pursuit of Sheba (read on in Scripture if you’re interested in how Sheba’s inglorious end).
Interpretation
Setting
Gibeon was north of Jerusalem, but not too far (about 5 miles). It fell within the borders of Saul’s tribe of Benjamin. A large battle had taken place here during the civil war between David and Ish-Bosheth.
Joab’s Ambition and Treachery
- Joab wasn’t about to let Amasa take over as David’s top general. He must have been seething the whole time since the announcement.
- Joab gave no hint that he was planning such a bloody act. Amasa probably thought he was safe, because unlike Abner, Amasa was a blood-relative of Joab.
- There’s no way to rationalize this action by Joab. It was a treacherous murder designed to stay in power.
Response of the Men
- Amasa had struggled to rally the troops of Judah against Sheba. They’d known he’d just spearheaded the rebellion, and were reluctant to fall under his leadership.
- The men knew that Joab was a skilled general. They knew Joab embodied their best chance of winning any military conflict. And he’d never made a play for David’s throne.
- Even if they understood Joab’s treachery, it made sense that would fall in line behind him.
- Joab was quite calculated. He knew all these factors. He knew he had Abishai on his side. He bode his time, didn’t say anything, and then struck.
- Once he led the men against Sheba, what would David be able to do?
Imagine
Adoniram bowed before David. “My king, the men have returned. They appear to have been victorious.”
Bathsheba’s grip on David’s arm tightened. This should have been good news, but Adoniram didn’t look happy. “Tell me, Adoniram, who is leading the troops into the city?”
His advisor’s head drooped even more.
“It’s Joab, isn’t it,” Bathsheba said. “What happened to Amasa?”
“I don’t know, my queen. But he isn’t among them.”
David stiffened. “I will deal with Joab. Stay here.”
Leaving his wife behind, David marched onto the balcony, his knee popping. He wasn’t as young as he used to be. Joab climbed the steps below, Abishai at his side, a thin smile on his face. Flags fluttered in the wind. Rows of soldiers stood quietly at attention in the streets below.
“My king,” Joab said, without bothering to bow. “The threats have been neutralized. Sheba is no more. And you’ll never have to worry about Amasa turning on you again.”
David held Joab’s gaze. He scanned the soldiers below, standing quietly at attention. Joab was lying. Amasa hadn’t turned on David. But with Joab’s brother firmly by his side, and the warriors behind him, what could David do?
David brushed past the brothers and stepped to the railing. He raised his arms. The city hushed below. “Men and women of Judah! Sons and daughters of Israel! Today is a momentous day! Today, we once again unite as a nation, under God, who has delivered us from our enemies. Today, the Chosen People claim the Promised Land as our own. I call on the tribes of Judah and the tribes of Israel to unite. To end our senseless bickering and strife. Most importantly – to serve the one true God who has made all this possible!”
Cheers rose to the heavens. Out of nowhere, Asaph and his musical team began playing their instruments and singing Psalms. David stepped back, the small effort tiring him. He turned to the brothers.
“Hear them?” David said. “You may have won the battle, but I’m still the king. The people still hang on my every word. And the people are tired of war. A new day has dawned. It’s time for peace, my commanders.”
Joab nodded. An uneasy truce had been established.
Someday, God will have to deal with this man.
Correlation
I Kings 2:5-6 – Joab’s treachery called out by David
- On his deathbed, David gave instructions to the next king, his son Solomon, regarding Joab.
- “Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.“
- Joab may have gained power, but he never had the love or respect of his king.
Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
- Joab was constantly looking to his own interests, putting himself ahead of others.
- We are called to humble ourselves and do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Application
Generic Applications
Joab had struck down:
- Abner, the commander of Saul’s forces, a brave warrior who David mourned. Abner was killed in cold blood by Joab, much like Amasa.
- Uriah, one of David’s mighty men. This was done at the instruction of King David to cover up his affair.
- David’s son Absalom, against the instructions of King David.
- Amasa, the man David had decided to use to replace Joab. This was another cold-blooded murder.
All of these were done out of selfish ambition (Uriah and Amasa) or vain conceit (Abner and Absalom). Joab was a mighty and powerful man, who at times professed a belief in the power of God. But he did not walk in the will of the Lord.
Personalize it
As I inspect my life and think about what I still want to accomplish – I want to do great things. I want to make an impact. But do I seek accomplishments out of selfish ambition, or out of the desire to glorify God?
Bible study methodology adapted from Searching the Scriptures with permission from Tyndale House:
Swindoll, Charles, Searching the Scriptures. Tyndale House Publishers, 2016.
Part III – What Goes Around – The Cost of Joab’s Treachery
Note – this is part 3 of a 3-part study of the negative qualities of David’s fixer, Joab. We suggest reading each part as a single day’s Bible study. The previous post examined the positive traits of this complicated commander. This follow-up study examines Joab’s negative qualities that ultimately led to his execution.
Scripture
Passages: 1 Kings 2:5-6; 1 Kings 2:28-35 (You are encouraged to read this whole passage and not just the key verse)
Key Verse:
King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the Lord and was beside the altar. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down!”
1 Kings 2:29
Observations
Context
As David was nearing his death, two sons were contenders to succeed him to the throne:
- Adonijah, the son of Haggith, and the next-born after Absalom.
- Solomon, the son of David’s love, Bathsheba.
Adonijah decided to act while he had the chance, and he declared himself king. He consulted with Joab, who decided to align himself with Adonijah. They made this move without asking David what he wanted, and without consulting God’s prophet, Nathan.
When news reached David’s ears from Nathan and Bathsheba, he acted quickly to declare Solomon king, and Adonijah’s plan was thwarted. There’s a longer story here, but eventually Adonijah was executed by Solomon.
Deathbed Instructions (v 5-6)
- Among David’s final instructions to his son Solomon, he implored the next king to deal with Joab.
- Solomon was probably already aware, but David told Solomon not to trust Joab. He told Solomon not to allow Joab to die a peaceful death because of what he’d done to Abner and Amasa.
Joab Flees
- When news of Adonijah’s demise reached Joab’s ears, he fled to the holy altar and grabbed hold of the horns.
- Adonijah had temporarily staved off execution by employing the same tactic.
- Why did Adonijah and Joab think this would work?
- In desperation, perhaps they thought it similar to seeking asylum in a city of refuge. There doesn’t seem to be a specific Mosaic law about the horns of the altar in the tabernacle. But it was enough to buy Adonijah some time, and it gave Benaiah pause when he first encountered Joab here.
- This link gives some possible thoughts on the question: https://jesusalive.cc/why-grab-horns-of-altar/.
- Solomon wasn’t having it. He sent another mighty warrior of David, Benaiah, to strike down Joab.
Joab’s Demise
- Benaiah confronted Joab, who refused to leave the altar. Joab’s words: “I will die here.”
- Benaiah reported this to Solomon, who gave a speech about Joab’s treachery and commanded Benaiah to finish the task. Solomon said to Benaiah:
- Do as he says (let him die at the altar).
- Striking him down will clear me and my family of the blood that Joab shed.
- Both the men that he killed – Abner and Amasa – were struck down without warning. And both were better men than Joab.
- May the guilt of their blood rest on Joab’s family.
- May the peace of God rest on my family forever.
- Benaiah returned and slew Joab at the altar.
Interpretation
Setting
Jerusalem.
Takeaways
- Joab’s bloody history of vengeance, defiance, and selfish ambition finally caught up to him.
- He could have gone down in history as a hero of the Hebrew nation. A man who served God and his king with honor. A daring general who achieved an astounding list of victories. Instead, he was cut down ignominiously inside the tent of worship by one of David’s most honorable fighters. As mighty and loyal to David as Joab was, he isn’t even listed in Scripture among David’s mighty men.
Imagine
Correlation
I John 2:15-17 – 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
- Joab’s deepest desires in life are summed up in this phrase in verse 16: the pride of life. He desired esteem, accomplishments, prestige, respect, and position over the things of God.
- Like the might of Joab, the world and its desires are temporary.
- Whoever does the will of God will live forever.
Application
Generic Applications
- Joab’s list of accomplishments was astounding. But what legacy did his lack of godliness leave behind?
- God gave us our talents and abilities. There is nothing wrong with being proud of our accomplishments. But we must give deference to the one who made it possible for us.
Personalize it
What do you want to be your legacy? How do you want to be remembered? Do you want, like Joab, for everone to recall your astounding accomplishments? Or do you want to be know as a humble servant of God?
For all of his flaws and misdeeds, David went down in history as a man after God’s own heart. That’s how I want to be remembered.
Bible study methodology adapted from Searching the Scriptures with permission from Tyndale House:
Swindoll, Charles, Searching the Scriptures. Tyndale House Publishers, 2016.
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