United kingdom · around 1010-965 BC
Joab in the Bible
David’s army commander, brave and ruthless. Name meaning: “The LORD is father” (probable meaning of the Hebrew); the Bible often calls him “Joab the son of Zeruiah” (2 Sam 2:13)
David’s nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiah, Joab commands Israel’s army for nearly all of David’s reign. A courageous leader, he is the first up the wall at Jebus, defeats the Syrians and the Ammonites, and stays loyal to the king against Absalom. But with his own hands he kills Abner, Absalom, and Amasa, carries out the order to have Uriah killed, and takes Adonijah’s side: David denounces him on his deathbed, and Solomon has him struck down at the altar (1 Kgs 2:28-34).
Key moments
- He kills Abner at the gate of Hebron to avenge Asahel 2 Samuel 3:27
- He is the first up to Jebus and becomes chief 1 Chronicles 11:6
- He puts Uriah in the thick of the battle 2 Samuel 11:15–17
- He leaves David the glory of taking Rabbah 2 Samuel 12:27–28
- He brings Absalom back from Geshur 2 Samuel 14:23
- He thrusts three darts through Absalom’s heart 2 Samuel 18:14
- He kills Amasa: “Art thou in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9–10
- He dies at the horns of the altar, struck down by Benaiah 1 Kings 2:28–31
Strengths
- Courage
- Military skill
- Loyalty to the king
- Plain speaking
- Violence
Weaknesses
Joab avenges blood with blood, even in time of peace: he assassinates Abner (2 Sam 3:27) and then Amasa (20:10), “shed[ding] the blood of war in peace” (1 Kgs 2:5). He lends a hand in Uriah’s death (2 Sam 11:15-17) and, in the matter of Absalom, disregards the king’s order (18:5, 14).
Lessons for today
- Loyalty is no substitute for integrity: Joab serves David with courage, but his murders of Abner and Amasa cost him his life (1 Kgs 2:31-34).
- Whoever carries out an unjust order becomes complicit in it: Joab puts Uriah in the thick of the battle, as David’s letter demands (2 Sam 11:15-17).
- Know how to leave the glory to someone else: Joab calls on David to take Rabbah “lest I take the city, and it be called after my name” (2 Sam 12:28).
- Plain speaking can save a situation: Joab forces David out of his mourning so that he will not lose his people (2 Sam 19:5-8).
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.
And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?
People around Joab
- David — Uncle and king, whom he serves as army commander
- Abishai — Brother, son of Zeruiah, at his side in battle
- Abner — Commander of Saul’s army, whom he kills at Hebron
- Absalom — David’s son, whom he brings back from exile and then kills
- Amasa — Cousin and rival, whom he kills near Gibeon
- Solomon — The king who has him struck down at the altar
Stories with Joab
Quiz: how well do you know Joab?
What position did Joab hold under King David?
“Joab was over all the host of Israel.” Jehoshaphat was the recorder, Sheva the scribe, and Adoram was over the tribute. 2 Samuel 20:23–25
What was the name of Joab’s mother?
Joab is the “son of Zeruiah,” David’s sister. Abigail, her other sister, was the mother of Amasa. 1 Chronicles 2:16
Whom did Joab kill at the gate of Hebron to avenge his brother Asahel?
Joab took Abner aside in the middle of the gate and struck him in the stomach “for the blood of Asahel his brother.” 2 Samuel 3:27
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.