Who was Joab in the Bible?
Joab, the great military leader, had two brothers who were also famous soldiers: Abishai and Asahel. Joab proved to be a greatest leader of these three and was the commander of David’s army throughout most of David’s reign. There is no record that his troops ever lost a battle.
Joab was a fearless fighter like his brothers. Unlike them, he was also brilliant and a ruthless strategist. His plans usually worked, but he was seldom concerned about those hurt of killed by them. He didn’t hesitate to use treachery or even murder to achieve his goals. His career is a story of great accomplishments and shameful acts. He conquered Jerusalem and the surrounding nations, defeated Abner and reconciled Absalom and David. But he also murdered Abner, Amasa and Absalom and took part in the murder of Uriah in addition to plotting with Adonijah against Solomon. That plot led to his execution.
Joab set his own standards, he lived by them and died because of them. There is little evidence that Joab ever acknowledged God’s standards. Joab’s self-centered eventually destroyed him. Joab was only loyal to himself and was even willing to betray his lifelong relationship with David to preserve his power.
Joab’s life illustrates the disastrous results of having no source of direction outside of oneself. Brilliance and power are self-destructive without God’s guidance. Only God can give us the guidance and direction we need. That is why God has made His Word, the Bible, available to us. And He is willing to be personally present in the lives of those who admit their need for Him.
Do you admit you need for God? Do you know God? Do you know Jesus?
Are you certain that you are going to heaven? If the answer is no or your not really sure and there is something stirring inside you at this very moment to do this, then all you have to do is say a small prayer and you can be assured of your name being added to the Book of Life. Go to the prayer of salvation and pray the words out loud and believe in your heart and you will be saved.
Joab’s story is told in 2 Samuel 2 – 1 Kings 2. He is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:16; 11:5 – 9, 20, 26; 19:8 – 15; 20:1; 21:2 – 6; 26:28 and in the title of Psalm 60
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