In 2 Samuel 20, we pick up in the middle of the new rebellion led by Sheba, the Benjaminite. David has a new commander, Amasa, who is the former commander of Absalom and tried to kill David. When David appointed Amasa as his commander, back in Chapter 19, we were never given any insight into how Joab felt about being replaced. Was Joab totally fired or just demoted and ordered to report to Amasa? How did Joab react, did he walk off in his usual temper and quit? And was David confident in this decision or had he decided rashly?
Yes, Joab had disobeyed David and killed Abner and Absalom. Abner, out of jealousy. Definitely wrong. But should David have trusted Abner? Regarding Absalom, perhaps Joab had good reasons for killing him. First, according to the law, Absalom should have been killed for rebellion. Second, he had betrayed Joab, who was the one who talked David into acknowledging him. So Joab had a personal vengeance. And third, Joab knew that had Absalom lived, David would have gone soft on him and Absalom probably would have planned another rebellion.
Back to David’s decision to replace Joab. Despite the wrong that Joab had done by killing these two men, he had done a lot well. As leader of the army, he had an outstanding record. And his loyalty to David and Israel was admirable. We don’t know how Joab felt about this demotion, and we can’t say without more detail whether it was fair of David. Whatever the case, Joab is not the kind of leader who sits quietly in the background. His commitment to David and Israel is too strong. And in this episode, Joab will find a way to take center stage.
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A Little Insight to the to 2 Samuel 20…
“Having disposed of Amasa and successfully squelched Sheba’s rebellion, Joab is now back in charge of the army. What other choice did David have? Joab was a powerful and popular man and David was growing weary and old. Even when David was younger back in 2 Samuel 3:39 when Joab killed Abner, David said, “these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me.”
And its still true. Whether they are saving David’s life or going around David to do what they think is right, it appears that Joab and Abishai are really the ones in control.
David doesn’t like it but seems powerless to prevent it. Perhaps that is why he appoints Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, over the Kerethites and Pelethites, the mighty Philistine warriors loyal to David specifically as bodyguards. David may no longer trust Joab to be close to him.”
Scene 1: Amasa is Stabbed in the Stomach
Scene 2: Sheba Loses His Head
In Scene 3: Joab Gets His Job Back
Epilogue Part 1: Saul Causes a Famine
Epilogue Part 2: David’s Mighty Warrior’s Mighty Feats
Verses Mentioned:
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club podcast.
