How is true restoration after conflict and disagreement achieved? When the bonds of friendship, family, and love have been strained or torn asunder how do you move on towards reconciliation? In 2 Samuel 19 and 20 this question of restoring trust and fellowship is faced by the people of Israel. Joab and David exhibit strong leadership during the conflict between Absalom but one follows his own way to achieve what he deems best while the other shows a consistent dependance upon God in all ways.
After the conflict David us mourning the death of his son Absalom to such an extent that his grief starts to cause a time of celebration into a time of mourning for all the men. Why was David so grieved after Absalom died? Was the grief heightened because David knew that his own actions set the stage for Absalom’s rebellion and eventual death? Why did Joab confront David about his obsessive mourning over Absalom’s death? Did Joab feel regret after killing the kings son?
What motivated Joab actions as he served David? Throughout 2 Samuel he appears as a great leader of the army of Israel but many times his actions are marked by selfishness and anger. Joab took judgement into his own hand by killing Abner after David reconciled with him. Joab schemed and convinced David to welcome Absalom back to Jerusalem. Absalom was killed against the wishes of David. In 2 Samuel 20 Joab kills Amasa on the road as the men of Israel were pursuing Sheba. Was Joab concerned about the things of God or are his actions wholly that of a man who is motivated by his own desires? The more I think about Joab it becomes apparent that he was more concerned about structure and power than with the things of God.
David is very much the opposite of Joab in 2 Samuel because he submits to God’s ultimate authority in the situations of life. David sought to restore Abner, Absalom, and Amasa by forgiving them and extending the love of God to them all. During his return to Jerusalem David sees many people who wronged him when Absalom attempted to regain power but instead of seeking his own revenge David forgives. The consistent building of David’s faith in God was what separated his leadership from Joab’s.
I’ll admit that as I read 2 Samuel 19 and 20 there was no resounding theme that stood out to me. As I reread the chapter the character of Joab was really brought into question because of his self-serving actions. Can you justify a questionable character if you are able to achieve success? Joab was successful in battle but he easily crossed boundaries to achieve victory. What is the ultimate cost of a person having bad character? Many people were hurt and killed by Joab’s ambition and determination. Who is the ultimate authority of character? I believe that God can only know the true character of a person but we can observe the actions of people and determine their character. What is your true motivation as you interact with your family, finish projects at work, or relax with friends? If you are looking at your life today and you see yourself following in the steps of Joab I encourage you to stop and consider your actions in life and make sure that you are seeking out what God would desire for you instead of what you want.
