It's intriguing to see Joab's role in David's story. I really didn't know what to make of him, whether he is portrayed as someone who are right and must be patronized, or that he is a sample of the 'right' people who shouldn't be patronized because of his temper. I am not even able to decide whether he is 'right' or not, his ways are too harsh. Or is he a well-intentioned extremist?
Joab is a soldier, and we could stand a harsh military man, and he is easy to boil, but he is still taking it too far in my opinion.
Strictly speaking, Joab had never rebelled against God's words, he only rebelled against David's words. And that's not out of hate of David, he is very loyal to David, and all his actions, including the "too harsh" ones are all committed with David well-being in thoughts. His solution to everything gone awry is "destroy the cause", but he could be threatened by saying things like " You are trying to destroy what God doesn't want you to destroy," and I believe he really believe and trust God with all his might. There's no indication otherwise. And while keeping in check with God's rule and direction, he took actions that looks like it will make all things smoother, although harsh, that David didn't command, or even command the opposite. Sometimes, he also took actions that seems unnecessary or took it way too far because of personal reason. You could say that it's his character's flaw, that he didn't really mean it, but it's still apparent.And as he never receive punishment or warning from God, could we take it that he is only doing something necessary that God let to happen in order to let His plan worked?
And his interactions with David is interesting as well. David are sometimes annoyed with him, and all of Joba's siblings (As he always asked "What's with you, Zeruya's sons?"), but he couldn't get rid of them, as they are very loyal to him and the ones that would never let him down, and that he rely quite heavily on them. Granted, they don't always do what he wanted, and sometimes will bring shame to his name, but they are a great commander and soldier. Won't turn their back to him. I wonder what make Joab and his brothers stick to David so much, considering their rebellious tendencies. Joab also seems to hate and jealous of whoever try to lick up David's ass, both sincerely or insincerely. He kills Abner, and latter Amasa. Both seems unnecessary, but both are originally from David's enemy, so maybe he is afraid they will turn their back again. I imagine David and Joab are like vitriolic best bud. They argue a lot and have an entirely different point of view, and David always looks so easy to substitute Joab with someone else, but Joab is still very loyal to David, and David always listen to Joab. No one else tried to talk to David about his unseemly behavior as a king, and even mocking him about it. Well.... David is easy to advice, though. He take critics and advice well.
Anyway.... I like Joab, but some of his actions seems unnecessary. What is all his actions in the Bible meant for us? Why did it have to be written?
