Joab…Part 2

I’ve been reading and meditating about Joab these last couple of weeks, and I see more and more clearly how his life, actions, and character apply to me. Just as I am the executive at Dexter Lake Church of God, so was Joab an executer of sorts for David, King of Israel (eventual king). Joab was David’s chief of the army, and probably his closest confidant and advisor. Here are a few of the lessons:

1. Above all else, Joab’s loyalty was totally above question. Joab could not have survived in his position without the complete trust of David, and one gets the feeling from the narrative that even if Joab was not always loyal and faithful to God, he was to David. This is evidenced, in part, in Joab’s jealous killing of Amasa and Sheba for rebellion.

2. Joab did not expose David’s weaknesses, faults or sins to others. Joab was a coverer of David’s faults rather than an exposer. Joab even set up Uriah to be killed as David had requested in order to cover David’s sin. This is an extreme example; however the pattern stands: Joab loyally protected David’s dignity.

3. Joab corrected David occasionally. Joab skillfully got David to see the light when he should have allowed Absalom to return after killing Amnon for the rape of Tamar. Joab didn’t just confront David, but he brought in a clever woman who played a role and helped the king to see the right decision. It is a difficult thing to know when is the right time to address the king in such a fashion.

4. Joab defied David’s orders when David’s emotions got in the way of clear judgement. Contrary to David’s orders, Joab outright killed Absalom in order to end the rebellion that nearly cost David the throne. Joab also blatantly confronted David in his mourning as well. This was a time of crisis and ultimate destinies were on the line from their perspective. Again, the sense of this correction though is that it was not an open and public rebuke, but a private correction in his home. This rebuke was for a blatant and destructive behavior: loving those who hate you and hating those who love you.

5. Joab refused glory to himself. In Rabbah, an Ammonite city, as well as other cities, Joab refused to complete the defeat, and would set David up for the final glorious push to capture the cities. Joab realized that his glory came through the king, not aside from the king.

6. Joab’s killing of Abner was a crisis in the relationship between Joab and David. Obviously Joab was wrong in killing Abner, or so it would appear. The king refused to cover Joab’s deed and refused to take any responsibility in it. The punishment was twofold. He made Joab mourn Abner’s death, and in making all Israel mourn he exposed Joab’s failure. When David says that a great man has fallen in Israel, it is perhaps a double-entendre as Joab has also fallen.

This is a difficult thing. Joab consistently covers David’s faults; however David specifically exposes Joab. Of course, the real diffuculty comes if Joab expects David to reciprocate his devotion and his reverence. The truth is that David is not in a position to do that without the crown being tarnished.

7. Finally, Joab questions David when David orders the census. However, Joab doesn't argue with David or press the point. He simply raises the concern and then fulfills his orders without complaint and with full expedience.

I think all of these have application and impact on my life and especially my relationship with the king I serve. I can only hope to someday learn to serve as Joab served.