Again we see Joab as betrayer,
and like Judas, betrays with a kiss (v.9). He approaches Amasa with a kiss but
stabs him, and Scripture tells us in its wonderfully graphic way that his
‘intestines spilled out on the ground’ (v.10). One of Joab’s men cries out
‘whoever favours Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!’ (v.11).
Factioning begins, not over the king, but over the army General. Joab’s role is
distracting men’s focus away from the king.
This chapter is largely concerned
with the uprising of Sheba ,
son of Bicri. Faithful to David, Joab persues Sheba ; like with Absalom, however,
Joab’s own interpretation of justice controls his actions, not his obedience to
David. Joab kills Amasa en route,
showing he is equally distracted by his own aims, and uses the path that David
sends him on to achieve his own goals.
It is striking that Joab survives
so long in David’s life given the blood that is upon his hands. Scripturally,
David never actually discovers that it was Joab and his men that killed
Absalom, and this is made especially clear in 1 Kings 2:5, when only the
bloodshed of Abner and Amasa is reported by David to Solomon.
It seems clear that Joab is
determined to serve King David, but in completely the wrong way. Joab leaves a
trail of destruction, and David never commands this. It is also clear that Joab
is a complex figure, and it is a reminder that it really is not for us to
judge, but for the King.
The Life Study Bible (LSB) suggests that Joab was brilliantly minded
and loyal, but cared little for who he hurt, and how he executed his plans. The
primary lesson appears to be recognising that ‘even brilliant leaders need
guidance’ (LSB). David allows himself to be guided, and wins the hearts of his
people, but Joab does not allow himself to be guided by others and by God, and
meets his downfall because of this.
It’s very easy for us to sprint
off and do things with the best intentions, without considering if it’s the
best thing. Do we remember to stop, and ask what our King would have us do?
(Christ Church