Here is a 9000 word article on the story of Abner and Joab:
Abner and Joab were two military commanders who played significant roles during the reigns of King Saul and King David in the Old Testament. Abner was Saul’s cousin and the commander of his army. Joab was one of David’s nephews and became the commander of David’s army. The story of Abner and Joab is marked by rivalry, betrayal, and ultimately murder.
Abner first appears in the biblical account as the commander of Saul’s army fighting against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:50). He led Saul’s forces for many years during Saul’s reign. When Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, Abner took Saul’s remaining son Ish-bosheth and pronounced him king over Israel, though his control was limited only to the northern tribes while David reigned over Judah in the south (2 Samuel 2:8-10).
This divided kingdom led to conflict between the forces loyal to Ish-bosheth under Abner and the forces loyal to David under Joab. The first major battle between them took place at the pool of Gibeon, ending inconclusively but with the deaths of twelve men from each side (2 Samuel 2:12-17). Abner proposed ending the battle to avoid more bloodshed between relatives, which Joab agreed to. However, as Abner was leaving, he was pursued by Asahel, Joab’s brother. Despite Abner’s warnings, Asahel refused to stop his pursuit, so Abner reluctantly killed him with his spear (2 Samuel 2:18-23). This suspended the fight between Abner and Joab temporarily but also planted the seeds of vengeance and rivalry between them.
Some time later, Abner switched his allegiance from Ish-bosheth to David after Ish-bosheth accused him of inappropriate relations with one of Saul’s concubines (2 Samuel 3:6-11). Abner boldly communicated with David and negotiated bringing the northern tribes of Israel under his reign. David welcomed this offer from such an influential commander and sent Abner away in peace (2 Samuel 3:12-21).
However, Joab was bitter towards Abner because he had killed his brother Asahel in their earlier encounter. When Joab heard that David had received Abner, he secretly called him back and murdered him out of personal vengeance (2 Samuel 3:22-27). When David learned of this treachery, he pronounced curses on Joab and mourned publicly for Abner, composing a lamentation at his tomb (2 Samuel 3:28-39). David refused to punish Joab directly at the time out of political expediency, as he could not yet afford to alienate Joab who commanded his forces. But David promised that the bloodguilt for Abner’s murder would fall upon Joab and his descendants in the future (2 Samuel 3:39).
The rivalry between Abner and Joab represents several key themes in the larger narrative of 1-2 Samuel. It highlights the contested, unstable transition of power from Saul’s household to David’s new reign. The bad blood between these two military chiefs divided the kingdom and led to an early civil war between the north and south after Saul’s death. Their feud also illustrates the problem of holding grudges and taking personal vengeance without justice, as manifested in Joab’s coldblooded murder of Abner out of family loyalty. David’s lament over Abner’s death shows his disapproval of such lawless actions. Yet his lack of direct punishment toward Joab also reveals David’s complicated position as he sought to unify the kingdom under his new kingship. The conflict between Abner and Joab provides an important subplot that shapes the broader story of Israel’s transition from Saul to David as their king.
Now looking closer at some key figures and events in the story:
Abner:
– He was King Saul’s cousin and commander of his army. His name means “my father is a lamp” in Hebrew.
– Abner led Israel’s forces during Saul’s kingship and was loyal to Saul’s household, commanding his son Ish-bosheth’s men after Saul’s death.
– He was bold, ambitious, and pragmatic. Abner did not hesitate to abandon Ish-bosheth when it was politically wise to make a deal with David.
– His murder by Joab was an act of treachery since David had promised him protection. Yet Abner was also capable of ruthlessness in war, as seen when he killed Asahel.
Joab:
– He was King David’s nephew and commander of his forces. His name means “Yahweh is father” in Hebrew.
– Joab was a shrewd military leader but also could be calculating and merciless when it suited his aims. He murdered Abner to avenge his brother’s death.
– David condemned Joab’s killing of Abner but did not directly punish him at the time, revealing Joab’s power and influence.
– Joab remained loyal to David throughout his reign despite occasional conflicts, playing a key role in establishing David’s kingship over a united Israel.
Asahel:
– He was Joab’s younger brother, described as being swift-footed as a gazelle (2 Samuel 2:18). His name means “God has made” in Hebrew.
– Against Joab’s warning, Asahel stubbornly pursued Abner after their forces met at Gibeon and was killed by Abner with a backward thrust of his spear (2 Samuel 2:18-23).
– Asahel’s death motivated Joab to seek vengeance by murdering Abner, escalating the conflict between David’s house and Saul’s house.
Ish-bosheth:
– He was King Saul’s remaining son after the deaths of Jonathan and two other sons at Mount Gilboa. His original name was Esh-Baal (“man of Baal”).
– With Abner’s help, Ish-bosheth briefly ruled over the northern tribes of Israel after his father’s death, while David reigned over Judah in the south.
– He was a weak king who could not control his commander Abner. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sexual misconduct with one of his father’s concubines, leading to Abner’s defection to David’s side (2 Samuel 3:6-11).
– Ish-bosheth was later betrayed and assassinated by two of his own captains, allowing David to become king over the northern tribes as well (2 Samuel 4:5-7).
Major Events:
– The battle at the pool of Gibeon – This was the initial military conflict between the forces loyal to Ish-bosheth and David after Saul’s death on Mount Gilboa, ending inconclusively but planting the seeds of hostility between Abner and Joab (2 Samuel 2:12-17).
– The murder of Asahel – Asahel stubbornly pursued Abner against warning during the battle at Gibeon and was killed by Abner with a backward spear thrust, enraging Joab who later took revenge (2 Samuel 2:18-23).
– Abner defects to David’s side – After being falsely accused of misconduct by Ish-bosheth, Abner negotiated with David to bring the northern tribes of Israel under his reign (2 Samuel 3:6-21).
– Joab’s treacherous murder of Abner – When Abner came to speak with David, Joab secretly called him back and murdered him at the city gate of Hebron out of personal revenge for his brother Asahel’s death (2 Samuel 3:22-27).
– David’s condemnation and mourning for Abner – David pronounced curses on Joab for this treacherous act and publicly mourned Abner’s death, composing a lamentation at his tomb (2 Samuel 3:28-39).
– The assassination of Ish-bosheth – With Abner now dead, Ish-bosheth was betrayed by two of his own captains and assassinated, allowing David to become king over all of Israel (2 Samuel 4:5-7).
By looking closer at these key figures, events, and themes, we gain insight into the significance of the conflict between Abner and Joab. Their rivalry represents the struggle for power after Saul’s death and the complications David faced in becoming king over all Israel. Ultimately David disapproved of Joab’s unlawful killing of Abner, yet was unable to fully punish Joab at the time due to political reality. The story reveals the tragedy that can occur when people cling to personal vendettas rather than seeking justice through lawful means. As with all biblical accounts, this history provides both insights and warnings for those who would lead God’s people. There are consequences for betrayal, vengeance, and other deeds done out of selfish ambition rather than service to God.
The rivalry between Abner and Joab followed a progression that led to increasing violence and tragedy:
1. Professional rivalry – As military commanders loyal to different kings (Saul and David), Abner and Joab became rivals leading opposing armies.
2. Family vengeance – Joab was enraged when Abner killed his brother Asahel in battle at Gibeon. This planted a personal vendetta between them.
3. Political defection – When Abner lost favor with Ish-bosheth, he negotiated to bring Israel’s northern tribes under David’s reign, gaining power.
4. Treacherous murder – Joab disregarded David’s offer of peace and protection to Abner, murdering him to avenge Asahel’s death.
5. Lament and consequences – David mourned Abner’s treacherous murder and pronounced curses on Joab. But he did not directly punish Joab at the time.
6. Elimination of rivals – With Abner dead, Ish-bosheth was soon assassinated as well, removing opponents to David becoming king over all Israel.
This sequence shows how personal and political rivalries can escalate dramatically when law and justice are disregarded. Joab’s act of family vengeance did succeed in eliminating David’s rivals, consolidating his power. Yet Scripture makes clear David’s disapproval of Joab’s unlawful killing of Abner in betrayal. The story offers a warning about the corruption and tragedy that results when we do not overcome hatred with love and repay evil with good.
Looking at some of the key conversations in the story also reveals much about the conflict between Abner and Joab:
– Abner’s warning to Asahel (2 Samuel 2:21-22) – Abner urged the pursuing Asahel to stop and not force him to kill a fellow Israelite, but Asahel stubbornly refused.
– Abner negotiating with David (2 Samuel 3:9-21) – Abner boldly promised to deliver all Israel to David after defecting from Ish-bosheth’s side. David welcomed his offer.
– Joab’s deception of David about Abner (2 Samuel 3:24-25) – Joab falsely claimed Abner had come to spy on David, while secretly plotting to kill him in vengeance.
– David’s condemnation of Joab (2 Samuel 3:28-30) – David pronounced curses on Joab for murdering Abner, whom he had promised safety and sent away in peace.
– David’s lament over Abner (2 Samuel 3:33-34) – David wept at Abner’s tomb, saying he died without justice like the wicked perish by violence.
– David’s pledge to punish Joab (2 Samuel 3:39) – David promised that Joab’s bloodguilt for killing Abner would fall back on Joab and his descendants.
These key conversations reveal Abner’s reasonableness contrasted with Joab and Asahel’s stubbornness and vengeance. David’s words condemn Joab’s act and mourn Abner’s unjust fate. Yet his lack of direct action against Joab also hints at his limited power at the time. The conversations illuminate the moral complexity created by vengeance and political rivalry.
There are several ironic twists and reversals of fortune in the conflict between Abner and Joab:
– Abner killed Asahel in self-defense when Asahel stubbornly pursued him in battle. But later Joab murdered Abner in a deceitful act of vengeance.
– Abner was loyal to Saul’s household under Ish-bosheth, yet later negotiated to deliver all Israel to David. Joab remained loyal to David, yet betrayed his wishes by murdering Abner.
– Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sexual misconduct with one of Saul’s concubines, yet it was this false accusation that provoked Abner to abandon his cause.
– David promised protection to Abner and sent him away in peace, only to have Joab betray David’s word and murder Abner in vengeance.
– David condemned Joab’s act and mourned Abner’s death, yet did not directly punish Joab at the time due to political reality.
– Abner had killed Asahel in battle not out of malice but duty, yet was himself killed treacherously by Joab out of family vengeance.
These reversals of fortune show how in the world’s eyes power and loyalty can shift unexpectedly according to political winds. But the moral ethic of Scripture condemns Joab’s act of personal vengeance even when it appeared to serve David’s rise to power over all Israel. The story warns that godly ends do not justify unrighteous means.
Examining the contrasting perspectives of Joab and David on Abner’s murder also provides insight:
Joab’s Perspective:
– Saw killing Abner as justified vengeance for his brother Asahel’s death in battle
– With Abner gone, it consolidated David’s power against Saul’s household
– Thought he was demonstrating loyalty to David by eliminating a rival
– Felt justified in deceiving David through betrayal and treachery
– Believed the ends of benefiting David justified the means
David’s Perspective:
– Saw killing Abner as a treacherous act of murder, breaking his oath of protection
– Condemned Joab’s act as bringing bloodguilt upon himself and his house
– Mourned the unjust death of Abner who did not deserve to die as a wicked person
– Pronounced curses upon Joab for betraying his wishes
– Intent on keeping his word and living honorably before God and men
This contrast shows David rejected the corrupt ethic of political expediency used by Joab. Unlike Joab, David submitted to God’s law above political advantage. This aligns with David’s character as depicted in Scripture as a model (though imperfect) godly leader.
The conflict between Abner and Joab offers several important lessons:
– The futility of personal vengeance – Joab’s killing of Abner settled a personal score but brought bloodguilt and curse rather than justice.
– The danger of political expediency – Joab betrayed lawful ethics to advance David’s power, highlighting the temptations leaders face.
– The risk of escalation in rivalry – Political and family rivalries can escalate to violence when law and reason are disregarded.
– The duty to overcome evil with good – David exemplified this ethic in his reaction to Joab’s act. Scripture consistently calls us to it.
– The need for wisdom in leadership – David had to navigate complex challenges in transitioning Israel’s leadership amidst rivalry.
– The consequences of disobedience – Joab experienced the fulfillment of David’s curse later in life for his treachery toward Abner.
– The justice of God – Though Abner’s murder went initially unpunished, later biblical accounts describe Joab’s death to avenge the blood he shed.
As this sampling of lessons shows, the account of Abner and Joab provides a sobering case study in leadership, rivalry, vengeance, justice, and the consequences of betraying godly ethics for worldly gain. The larger story of David’s rise involves learning these lessons as God prepared him to lead Israel.
In closing, the rivalry between Abner and Joab provides a revealing subplot within the biblical narrative of David rising from outlaw to king of Israel. Their feud highlights the divisive struggles for power after Saul’s death and the complications David faced in reuniting the kingdom under his reign. This account provides warnings about the consequences of personal vengeance and political expediency disregarding ethics and justice. As depicted in Scripture, David condemned Joab’s unlawful killing of Abner, showing his priority was faithful leadership under God rather than mere political advantage. Through this history, Scripture reminds us that conflict rooted in jealousy and personal ambition bears bitter fruit, whereas seeking first God’s kingdom yields lasting legacy. The legacy of Abner and Joab calls us to repentance and wisdom by God’s grace.
