Joab Gets Away With Murder

Following the suppression of Sheba’s revolt, David reorganized his staff.

Most of the positions remained the same, but there were some notable changes. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, remained in command of the Cherethites and Pelethites, who were David’s bodyguard. He had distinguished himself by killing two fierce warriors during the battle with Moab (2 Samuel 23:20). Adoram (or Adoniram) was made overseer of the labor crew.

These workers were conscripted to work on national projects, such as building the temple (1 Kings 5:13, 14). Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was appointed recorder (2 Samuel 8:16), and Sheva was appointed scribe or secretary of state (2 Samuel 20:25).

Zadok and Abiathar retained their places as priests.

Perhaps the most interesting appointment to office was that of Joab, who again became the leader of David’s army. Let us take a moment to review his checkered past: First, Joab was family. He was the son of David’s sister Zeruiah. Joab’s relationship with his uncle was complicated. We first see him in the battle against the forces of Saul’s son Ish-bosheth at Gibeon. While fleeing the battle, Abner, leader of Ish-bosheth’s defeated forces, kills Joab’s younger brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:12–32). After Abner defects to David, Joab and his brother Abishai assassinate Abner (2 Samuel 3:12, 20–30). Abner’s death was not simply an act of revenge. Joab feared David would appoint Abner to replace him as army commander.

David did little to punish Joab and Abishai for this murder (vv. 31–39).

Jerusalem was taken as a result of Joab’s bravery, and he was rewarded by being made chief of David’s army (1 Chronicles 11:6). There then followed victorious wars against the Edomites, Syrians, and Ammonites (1 Kings 11:16; 2 Samuel 10:6–14; 1 Chronicles 19:6–15). At the siege of Rabbah, Joab followed David’s instructions and made possible Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11:1–17). Joab was instrumental in influencing David to recall Absalom from his banishment. Feeling betrayed, he went against David’s wishes and personally had his cousin killed (2 Samuel 18:14–17). He then rebuked David for excessive grief (2 Samuel 19:5–8).

He killed Amasa to retain his position as the army’s leader and then efficiently put down Sheba’s revolt. Joab was brave, unscrupulous, insubordinate, ruthless, vindictive, and a threat to the throne! Was David blind to these faults or fearful of the army’s loyalty to Joab?