Joab

Lore & Background

Joab first appears alongside his brother Abishai, who volunteers to go with David into Saul's camp (1 Samuel 26:6). In the conflict at Gibeon, Joab and Abishai face Abner's forces; during the battle, their brother Asahel is killed by Abner (2 Samuel 2:18-24). Joab later laments the bloodshed and calls a halt to the fighting (2 Samuel 2:26-28). After Asahel's death, Joab and Abishai pursue Abner, and Joab eventually kills Abner in Hebron at the city gate, striking him under the fifth rib (2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 3:30). David mourns Abner and curses Joab's house (2 Samuel 3:29, 2 Samuel 3:31).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Joab as a decisive and ruthless military leader, deeply loyal to his family and to David, yet willing to act on his own judgment. He commands David's armies in major campaigns (2 Samuel 10:7, 2 Samuel 10:13, 2 Samuel 11:1) and is trusted with sensitive tasks, such as sending Uriah to David (2 Samuel 11:6). His vengeance for Asahel shows a personal code of blood revenge (2 Samuel 3:27, 2 Samuel 3:30), and his confrontation with David over Abner's peaceful departure reveals his willingness to challenge the king (2 Samuel 3:24-26). Joab is portrayed as a man of action who stops a battle when the cost becomes clear (2 Samuel 2:26-28), but also as one who carries out deadly personal vendettas.

Did You Know?

• Joab's brother Asahel was known for being as swift as a wild roe (2 Samuel 2:18).
• Joab killed Abner at the gate of Hebron under the fifth rib (2 Samuel 3:27).
• David sent Joab to besiege Rabbah while David remained in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 11:1).
• Joab was the son of Zeruiah, and his brothers were Abishai and Asahel (2 Samuel 2:18).