Joab becomes aware that David’s willingness for peace may threaten his sense of justice and security.
Joab, the nephew of King David (who reigned approximately 1010-970 BC), had been serving as commander of David’s armies, striving to consolidate the nation under David’s rule. In the midst of these efforts, “So when Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, ‘Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.’” (2 Samuel 3:23) This statement captures the moment Joab learned that Abner—commander of King Saul’s forces (Saul reigned circa 1050-1010 BC)—had come to see David in Hebron, a city located about 19 miles south of Jerusalem, and was allowed to depart peacefully. The peaceful dismissal of Abner, who had significant political and military influence, stood out to Joab, as old rivalries brewed beneath the surface.
Abner was a critical figure in Saul’s dynasty and had recently shifted his allegiance to David, recognizing David’s legitimate claim to the throne. With David’s blessing, “he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace” (2 Samuel 3:23), signifying the king’s openness to reconciliation and unity. Yet Joab’s perspective reflected tension, knowing Abner was once an adversary who had fought against David’s rise. This moment of hearing the news further fueled the unfolding drama, leading Joab to take matters into his own hands. In the broader biblical narrative, we see that Jesus taught believers to seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:9), but in Joab’s case, personal grievances overshadowed peace.
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2 Samuel 3:23 meaning
Joab, the nephew of King David (who reigned approximately 1010-970 BC), had been serving as commander of David’s armies, striving to consolidate the nation under David’s rule. In the midst of these efforts, “So when Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, ‘Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.’” (2 Samuel 3:23) This statement captures the moment Joab learned that Abner—commander of King Saul’s forces (Saul reigned circa 1050-1010 BC)—had come to see David in Hebron, a city located about 19 miles south of Jerusalem, and was allowed to depart peacefully. The peaceful dismissal of Abner, who had significant political and military influence, stood out to Joab, as old rivalries brewed beneath the surface.
Abner was a critical figure in Saul’s dynasty and had recently shifted his allegiance to David, recognizing David’s legitimate claim to the throne. With David’s blessing, “he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace” (2 Samuel 3:23), signifying the king’s openness to reconciliation and unity. Yet Joab’s perspective reflected tension, knowing Abner was once an adversary who had fought against David’s rise. This moment of hearing the news further fueled the unfolding drama, leading Joab to take matters into his own hands. In the broader biblical narrative, we see that Jesus taught believers to seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:9), but in Joab’s case, personal grievances overshadowed peace.