Joab
David’s fierce, loyal and ruthless commander, who served the king’s throne and often defied the king.
Old Testament · c. 1000 BC · 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles · Also known as Son of Zeruiah, Captain of David’s host
About Joab
Joab was David’s nephew, a son of David’s sister Zeruiah, and for most of David’s reign the commander of his army. At Jerusalem David promised, "Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain," and "Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief." He won many battles, but he also killed rivals in cold blood, carried out David’s order against Uriah, and killed Absalom against David’s command. Yet he could also tell David hard truths: "Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants." He backed Adonijah for the throne instead of Solomon, and at the end, holding "the horns of the altar," he was put to death on Solomon’s orders.
This guide speaks about Joab, not as him, out of care. He and his brothers Abishai and Asahel are always called "the sons of Zeruiah," their mother, David’s sister. David once said, "these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me." On his deathbed he warned Solomon about Joab.
The story
Chief and captain
When David came to take Jerusalem from the Jebusites, "David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief."
1 Chronicles 11:4-6
Thou hast shamed this day
David wept, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!" and the victory became mourning. Joab came to him: "Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life... Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants." David rose and sat in the gate.
2 Samuel 19:1-8
Key moments
- First into Jerusalem’s stronghold: Becomes chief and captain. (1 Chronicles 11:6)
- Carries out the order against Uriah: "In the forefront of the hottest battle." (2 Samuel 11:16-17)
- Brings Absalom home: Through the wise woman of Tekoah. (2 Samuel 14:1-23)
- Kills Absalom: Against David’s command. (2 Samuel 18:14)
- Executed under Solomon: At "the horns of the altar." (1 Kings 2:28-34)
Questions about Joab
Was Joab loyal to David?
In a hard, complicated way. He fought David’s wars for decades and saved his kingdom in Absalom’s rebellion. Yet he repeatedly acted against David’s wishes, killing rivals and killing Absalom despite the king’s plea, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man." David said, "these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me," and on his deathbed told Solomon to deal with Joab for the "blood of war in peace."
How did Joab become commander?
By being first into Jerusalem. "David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief." Jerusalem, a strong hilltop fortress, became the City of David.
Connected people
- David: Uncle and king
- Absalom: Killed him
- Uriah: Sent him to his death
- Abner: Rival commander
- Solomon: Ordered his death
Read it yourself
Start with 1 Chronicles 11:4-6; 2 Samuel 18:5-15; 19:1-8; 1 Kings 2:28-34.