The Lesson of Joab

Joab was the consummate right-hand-man of David, King of Israel. Joab was not only obedient, submissive, and loyal to David, but he counseled, even manipulated, David to do the right thing. I’m reminded of His trick put to David through the woman from Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14. Joab shows David that he should allow Absolom back into the country even though Absolom had murdered Amnon, his own half-brother who had raped Absolom’s full sister. Later, Joab actually kills Absolom in defiance of David’s order because it is needful to keep the kingdom together.

The most self-deferential act that I see Joab making was at the city of Rabbah. First, David has Joab send Uriah to the front line leading the attack and retreat from him in an open act of murder. Shortly thereafter, Joab sends word to David that he has captured the water supply to the city and it is ready to fall. Joab tells David to bring men and attack the city so that David takes it rather than Joab. Joab, knowing the ineptness of David and his pathetic rule over Israel…and even his recent sin…is submitted to the man that the Lord chose to rule. He is even dedicated to enhancing and advancing David with all his might.

How much can we prideful, self-righteous, malcontents learn from the successes of Joab? His loyalty was beyond question; therefore, he was a great counselor, warrior, and advocate for a man after God’s own heart.