Joab — Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

1. Son of Zeruiah, the half sister of David (1 Chr 2:16), who, along with his brothers Abishai and Asahel, was well known for his military valor in Judah (2 Sm 2:18; cf. 1 Sm 26:6). According to 2 Samuel, Joab rose to prominence and distinguished himself at the battle of Gibeon when Saul’s troops under Abner were vanquished (2 Sm 2:8-32). Because Abner had slain Joab’s brother Asahel (v 23), Joab later killed Abner in revenge (3:26-30), despite Abner’s new loyalty to David (vv 12-19). Possibly Joab sensed that Abner would be his rival. Nevertheless, David praised the slain commander as a prince and a great man (vv 31-39) and set a curse on the house of Joab for his insubordination (vv 26-29, 39 OET SA2 3:26–29 · OET SA2 3:39). This incident illumines Joab’s sometimes unscrupulous and ruthless behavior.

Show passage in OET: CH1 2:16

OET-RV CH1 2:16

16 Their sisters were Tseruyah and Avigayil. Tseruyah’s three sons were Avishay, Yoav (Joab), and Asahel.

OET-LV CH1 2:16

16 And were_Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) and_ʼAⱱīgayil and_the _sons of _Tsərū^yāh were_ʼAⱱshay Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_ˊAsāh- ^ʼēl three.

Show passage in OET: SA2 2:18

OET-RV SA2 2:18

18 Tseruyah’s three sons were there: Yoav, Avishay, and Asahel, (Asahel was a fast runner—like a wild antelope.)

OET-LV SA2 2:18

18 And_they _were there three the _sons _of Tsərū^yāh Yōʼāⱱ and_ʼAⱱīshay and_ˊAsāh^ʼēl and_ˊAsāh^ʼēl was_swift on_feet _of_his like_one of_the _gazelles which are_in_country.

Show passage in OET: SA1 26:6

OET-RV SA1 26:6

6 David spoke to Ahimelek (the Hiti) and to Avishay (son of Yoav’s (Joab) brother Tseruyah) asking, “Who’ll go into the camp with me to Sha’ul?”
¶ Avishay answered, “I will. I’ll go with you.”

OET-LV SA1 26:6

6 And_ Dāvid _he _answered and_he/it _said to ʼAḩīmelek the_Hittite and_near/to ʼAⱱīshay the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) the _brother _of Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) to_say who will _he _go _down with_me to Shāʼūl/(Saul) into the_camp and_ ʼAⱱīshay _he/it _said I I _will _go _down with_you.

Show passage in OET: SA2 2:23

OET-RV SA2 2:23

23 But Asahel wouldn’t give up so Avner thrust the butt end of his spear into his stomach and it went right through and came out his back. He fell to the ground and died there, and when the others caught up, they stopped there.

OET-LV SA2 2:23

23 And_he _refused to_turn _aside and_he_struck _him ʼAⱱnēr with_the _back _end(s)_of the _spear into the_belly and_ the_spear _it _went _out from_behind_him and_he _fell there and_he/it _died his _place and_he/it _was every _of (the)_one_who_came to the_place where he _fell there ˊAsāh^ʼēl and_he/it _died and_they _stood _still.

Show passage in OET: SA2 3:26–30

OET-RV SA2 3:26

26 Once Yoav had finished talking to David, he sent messengers to catch up to Avner. They found him at the Sirah cistern and brought him back without David’s knowledge.

OET-RV SA2 3:27

27 When Avner got back to Hevron, Yoav took him aside at the city gate as if to speak to him privately, then stabbed him in the stomach and he died as vengeance for killing Yoav’s brother Asahel.

OET-RV SA2 3:28

28 Later when David heard about it, he declared, “I and my kingdom are innocent of Avner’s death in Yahweh’s eyes.

OET-RV SA2 3:29

29 May Yoav’s extended family continually suffer from sores or leprosy, and be forced into manual labour or be killed in battle, or run out of food to eat.”

OET-RV SA2 3:30

30 (That’s how Yoav and his brother Avishay murdered Avner because he’d killed their brother Asahel in Giveon during the war.)

OET-LV SA2 3:26

26 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _went _out from_with Dāvid and_he _sent messengers after ʼAⱱnēr and_they _brought _back DOM_him/it from_well _of Sirah and_Dāvid not he _knew.

OET-LV SA2 3:27

27 And_ ʼAⱱnēr _he _returned Ḩeⱱrōn and_he_turned _him _aside Yōʼāⱱ into the _middle _of the _gate to_speak with_him/it in_quietness and_he_struck _him there the_belly and_he/it _died for_the _blood _of ˊAsāh- ^ʼēl his/its_brother.

OET-LV SA2 3:28

28 And_ Dāvid _he/it _listened from_after thus and_he/it _said am_innocent I and_kingdom _of_my from_with YHWH until perpetuity from_the _blood(s)_of ʼAⱱnēr the _son _of Nēr.

OET-LV SA2 3:29

29 Let _them _whirl over the _head _of Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_near/to all _of the _house _of his/its_father and_not let _him _be _cut _off from_the _house _of Yōʼāⱱ one _who_suffers _a _discharge and_one _who_has _a _skin _disease and_one _who_takes _hold on_spindle and_one _who_falls by_sword and_one_lacking _of bread.

OET-LV SA2 3:30

30 And_Yōʼāⱱ and_ʼAⱱīshay his/its_brother they _killed (to)_ʼAⱱnēr on that he _had _killed DOM ˊAsāh^ʼēl brother _of_their at_Giⱱˊōn in_battle.

Show passage in OET: SA2 3:12–19

OET-RV SA2 3:12

12 Then Avner sent messengers to David to tell him, “Who should be king of this country? Let’s come to an agreement and then I could join you and help make all of Yisrael turn to you.”

OET-RV SA2 3:13

13 “Yes, good,” David replied. “I’m happy to come to an agreement with you on one condition: you must bring my wife—Sha’ul’s daughter, Mikal—if you want to be accepted here.”

OET-RV SA2 3:14

14 Then David sent messengers to Sha’ul’s son Ish -Boshet saying, “Give Mikal back to me. I earnt her as my wife with the foreskins of one-hundred Pelishtim.”

OET-RV SA2 3:15

15 So Ish -Boshet had her taken from her husband (Layish’s son Paltiel),

OET-RV SA2 3:16

16 but he walked along behind her, weeping, as far as Bahurim where finally Avner told him to go back home and so he did.

OET-RV SA2 3:17

17 Then Avner conferred with the Israeli elders saying, “Previously you were wanting David to be king over you,

OET-RV SA2 3:18

18 but now it’s time for action. Yahweh has already said, ‘I’m going to use my servant David to rescue my people Yisrael from the Pelishtim and all their other enemies.’ ”

OET-RV SA2 3:19

19 Avner also spoke privately with the Benyamites, then he went to Hevron to tell David privately what the Israelis and the Benyamites had agreed to.

OET-LV SA2 3:12

12 And_ ʼAⱱnēr _he _sent messengers to Dāvid place _of _himself to_say belongs_to_whom the_land to_say make covenant _of_your with_me and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE hand _of_my will_be_with _you to_bring _round to_you DOM all _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

OET-LV SA2 3:13

13 And_he/it _said good I I _will _make with_you a _covenant only a _thing one I am_asking from_with_you to_say not you _will _see DOM face _of_my if/because (if) to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before bring_you DOM Mīkāl the _daughter _of Shāʼūl/(Saul) when_come_you to_see DOM face _of_my.

OET-LV SA2 3:14

14 And_ Dāvid _he _sent messengers to Ish- boshet the _son _of Shāʼūl to_say give DOM wife _of_my DOM Mīkāl whom I _betrothed to_me for_a _hundred foreskins _of Pəlishtiy.

OET-LV SA2 3:15

15 And_ Ish- boshet _he _sent and_he_took _her from_with a _husband from_with Palţī^ʼēl/(Paltiel) the _son _of Layish.

OET-LV SA2 3:16

16 And_he/it _went with_her her/its_husband/man going and_weeping after_her to Baḩurīm and_he/it _said to_him/it ʼAⱱnēr go return and_he _returned.

OET-LV SA2 3:17

17 And_the _message _of ʼAⱱnēr it _was with the _elders _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) to_say both yesterday as _well _as the_third _day you(pl)_were seeking DOM Dāvid to_king over_you(pl).

OET-LV SA2 3:18

18 And_now act if/because YHWH he _has _spoken to Dāvid to_say by_the _hand _of Dāvid servant _of_my to _deliver DOM people _of_my Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) from_the _hand _of the_Pəlishtiy and_from_the _hand _of all _of enemies _of_their.

OET-LV SA2 3:19

19 And_ also ʼAⱱnēr _he/it _spoke in_the _ears _of Binyāmīn and_ also ʼAⱱnēr _he/it _went to_speak in_the _ears _of Dāvid at_Ḩeⱱrōn DOM all _of that was_good in/on_both _eyes _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_in_the _eyes _of all _of the _house _of Binyāmīn.

Show passage in OET: SA2 3:31–39

OET-RV SA2 3:31

31 Then David instructed Yoav (Joab) and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn for Avner.” Later at the funeral, King David walked behind the coffin

OET-RV SA2 3:32

32 and they buried Avner in Hevron. The king cried loudly at the tomb, and the people also wept.

OET-RV SA2 3:33

33 The king sang this song for Avner:
⇔ “Avner shouldn’t have died as if he was just some drunken fool.

OET-RV SA2 3:34

34 He wasn’t handcuffed or with his feet in chains.
⇔ He fell like someone disturbing a burglar.”
§ And so the people wept even more for him.

OET-RV SA2 3:35

35 Many people brought food to David during the day, but he promised, “May God severely punish me if I eat anything before the sun goes down.”

OET-RV SA2 3:36

36 All the people recognised David’s dignity in handling this matter and were pleased with his behaviour, just as they were pleased with everything that the king did,

OET-RV SA2 3:37

37 and everyone throughout Yisrael (Israel) knew that the king hadn’t ordered for Avner (Ner’s son) to be executed.

OET-RV SA2 3:38

38 Then the king told his servants, “Don’t you all realise that Yisrael lost a leader and a great man today?

OET-RV SA2 3:39

39 Although I was anointed as king, I feel tender today. Those sons of Tseruyah are more violent than me. May Yahweh repay evil people appropriately for their actions.”

OET-LV SA2 3:31

31 And_ Dāvid _he/it _said to Yōʼāⱱ and_near/to all _of the_people which with_him/it tear garments _of_your(pl) and_gird _yourselves sackcloth(s) and_mourn to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before ʼAⱱnēr and_the_king Dāvid was_walking after the_bier.

OET-LV SA2 3:32

32 And_they _buried DOM ʼAⱱnēr in_Ḩeⱱrōn and_he _lifted _up the_king DOM voice _of_his and_he _wept to the _grave _of ʼAⱱnēr and_ all _of the_people _they _wept.

OET-LV SA2 3:33

33 And_ the_king _he _made _a _lament concerning ʼAⱱnēr and_he _said like_the_death _of a _fool ʼAⱱnēr will _he _die.

OET-LV SA2 3:34

34 Hand _of_your not were_bound and_feet _of_your not to_bronze _fetters they _were _brought _near as_falls to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before sons _of injustice you _have _fallen and_ all _of the_people _they _repeated to_weep on/upon/above_him/it.

OET-LV SA2 3:35

35 And_ all _of the_people _it _came to_make _to _eat DOM Dāvid bread while_still the_day and_ Dāvid _he _swore _an _oath to_say thus may _he _do to/for_me god and_thus may _he _add if/because if to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before the_sun goes I _will _taste bread or all _of anything.

OET-LV SA2 3:36

36 And_all the_people they _paid _regard and_it _was _good in_eyes _of_their like_all that the_king he _did in/on_both _eyes _of all _of the_people it _was _good.

OET-LV SA2 3:37

37 And_ all _of the_people and_all Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) _they _knew in _the_day (the)_that if/because _that not it _was from_the_king to_kill DOM ʼAⱱnēr the _son _of Nēr.

OET-LV SA2 3:38

38 And_ the_king _he/it _said to servants _of_his am_not do _you(pl)_know if/because _that a _leader and_a _great_man he _has _fallen the_day the_this in_Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

OET-LV SA2 3:39

39 And_I the_day am_weak and_ king _I_am_anointed and_the_men the_these the _sons _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) are _too_hard for_me YHWH may _he _repay to_the_one _who_does _of (of)_the_evil according_to _of_his _evil.

Show passage in OET: SA2 3:26–29; SA2 3:39

OET-RV SA2 3:26

26 Once Yoav had finished talking to David, he sent messengers to catch up to Avner. They found him at the Sirah cistern and brought him back without David’s knowledge.

OET-RV SA2 3:27

27 When Avner got back to Hevron, Yoav took him aside at the city gate as if to speak to him privately, then stabbed him in the stomach and he died as vengeance for killing Yoav’s brother Asahel.

OET-RV SA2 3:28

28 Later when David heard about it, he declared, “I and my kingdom are innocent of Avner’s death in Yahweh’s eyes.

OET-RV SA2 3:29

29 May Yoav’s extended family continually suffer from sores or leprosy, and be forced into manual labour or be killed in battle, or run out of food to eat.”

OET-RV SA2 3:39

39 Although I was anointed as king, I feel tender today. Those sons of Tseruyah are more violent than me. May Yahweh repay evil people appropriately for their actions.”

OET-LV SA2 3:26

26 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _went _out from_with Dāvid and_he _sent messengers after ʼAⱱnēr and_they _brought _back DOM_him/it from_well _of Sirah and_Dāvid not he _knew.

OET-LV SA2 3:27

OET-LV SA2 3:28

28 And_ Dāvid _he/it _listened from_after thus and_he/it _said am_innocent I and_kingdom _of_my from_with YHWH until perpetuity from_the _blood(s)_of ʼAⱱnēr the _son _of Nēr.

OET-LV SA2 3:29

OET-LV SA2 3:39

Jump to OET CH1 2:16 section.

Jump to OET SA2 2:18 section.

Jump to OET SA1 26:6 section.

Jump to OET SA2 2:23 section.

Jump to OET SA2 3:26–30 section.

Jump to OET SA2 3:12–19 section.

Jump to OET SA2 3:31–39 section.

Jump to OET SA2 3:26–29 section. · OET SA2 3:39 section.

Joab spearheaded David’s siege of the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, and when David consolidated his reign there, Joab became the commander of the king’s army (2 Sm 8:16; 11:1; cf. 1 Chr 11:6-8; 18:15). He suppressed a rebellion among the Syrians and Ammonites (2 Sm 10:7-14; 1 Chr 19:8-15). At Rabbah he not only conquered the city (2 Sm 11–12 OET SA2 11:1–27 · OET SA2 12:1–31) but arranged for the death of Uriah the Hittite so that David could take Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.

Show passage in OET: SA2 8:16

OET-RV SA2 8:16

16 Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) was the army commander and Ahilud’s son Yehoshafat (Jehoshaphat) was the secretary.

OET-LV SA2 8:16

16 And_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) was_over the_army and_Yəhōshāfāţ/(Jehoshaphat) the _son _of ʼAḩīlūd was_recorder.

Show passage in OET: SA2 11:1

OET-RV SA2 11:1

11 The next spring (when kings usually go to war), David sent Yoav (Joab) and his officials and all the Israeli warriors, and they defeated the Amonim and besieged Rabah.
¶ But David stayed in Yerushalem (Jerusalem),

OET-LV SA2 11:1

11 And_he/it _was to_the _return _of the _year to_the _time _of (the)_kings go _out and_ Dāvid _he _sent DOM Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_DOM servants _of_his with_him/it and_DOM all _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_they _destroyed DOM the _people _of ˊAmmōn and_they _laid _siege on Rabāh and_Dāvid was_remaining in_Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem).

Show passage in OET: CH1 11:6–8

OET-RV CH1 11:6

6 He’d said, “The one who strikes down the Yevusim first will become my army commander.” Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) went up over the wall first, and he became head of the army.

OET-RV CH1 11:7

7 David started living in that fortress, so then they called it the city of David.

OET-RV CH1 11:8

8 He built the city up all around, from the terrace to the surrounding walls, and Yoav restored the rest of the city.

OET-LV CH1 11:6

6 And_ Dāvid _he/it _said any _of one _who_attacks _of (of)_a _Yəⱱūşī/(Jebusite) at_first he _will _become (into)_a_chief and _(into)_a_commander and_he/it _ascended at_first Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) and_he/it _was (into)_a_chief.

OET-LV CH1 11:7

7 And_ Dāvid _he/it _sat _down//remained//lived in_stronghold therefore yes/correct/thus/so people _called to_him/it the _city _of Dāvid.

OET-LV CH1 11:8

8 And_he/it _built the_city from_round _about from the_Millōʼ and_unto the_surroundings and_Yōʼāⱱ he _restored DOM the _remainder _of the_city.

Show passage in OET: CH1 18:15

OET-RV CH1 18:15

15 Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) led the army, and Ahilud’s son Yehoshafat (Jehoshaphat) was the record keeper.

OET-LV CH1 18:15

15 And_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh was_over the_army and_Yəhōshāfāţ/(Jehoshaphat) the _son _of ʼAḩīlūd was_recorder.

Show passage in OET: SA2 10:7–14

OET-RV SA2 10:7

7 When David heard that, he sent Yoav (Joab) in with the entire army.

OET-RV SA2 10:8

8 The Amonim came out the city gate and organised themselves for battle at the entrance, while their hired mercenaries stood apart out in the countryside.

OET-RV SA2 10:9

9 When Yoav saw that he was disadvantaged with enemy lines both in front and behind, he selected certain Israeli warriors and placed them to battle the Aramean mercenaries,

OET-RV SA2 10:10

10 leaving the others to face the Amonim under the command of his brother Avishay,

OET-RV SA2 10:11

11 telling him, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you come and rescue us, but if the Amonim are too strong for you, then I’ll come and rescue you.

OET-RV SA2 10:12

12 Be strong and courageous for the sake of our people and our god’s cities, and Yahweh will do whatever he considers right.”

OET-RV SA2 10:13

13 So Yoav and his men advanced to attack the Aramean mercenaries but they fled away from them.

OET-RV SA2 10:14

14 When the Amonim saw the Arameans running away, they started retreating from Avishay and went back into the city, so Yoav withdrew from attacking the Amonim and returned to Yerushalem (Jerusalem).

OET-LV SA2 10:7

7 And_ Dāvid _he/it _listened and_he _sent DOM Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_DOM all _of the_army the_powerful/mighty(pl).

OET-LV SA2 10:8

8 And_ the _people _of ˊAmmōn _they _went _out and_they _deployed battle the _entrance _of the _gate and_ʼArām _of Tsōⱱāh and_Rəḩoⱱ and_the _man _of Ţōⱱ and_Maˊₐkāh were_they _of_alone in_country.

OET-LV SA2 10:9

9 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _saw if/because _that it _was to_him/it the _face _of the _battle from_before and_from_behind and_he _chose from_all the _chosen_men_of in/on/at/with and_he _deployed to_meet ʼArām.

OET-LV SA2 10:10

10 And_DOM the _rest _of the _people he _gave in_the _hand _of ʼAⱱīshay his/its_brother and_he _deployed to_meet the _people _of ˊAmmōn.

OET-LV SA2 10:11

11 And_he/it _said if ʼArām it _will _be_too_strong for_me and_you _will _become to/for_me (into)_deliverance and_if the _people _of ˊAmmōn they _will _be_too_strong for_you and_I _will _come to_deliver to/for_you(fs).

OET-LV SA2 10:12

12 Be _strong and_let _us _show _ourselves _strong for people _of_our and_for the _cities _of our _god _of_our and_YHWH he _will _do the_good in_eyes _of_his.

OET-LV SA2 10:13

13 And_ Yōʼāⱱ and_the_people which with_him/it _he _drew _near for_battle on_ʼArām and_they _fled from_before _of_him.

OET-LV SA2 10:14

14 And_the _sons of _ˊAmmōn they _saw if/because _that ʼArām it _had _fled and_they _fled from_face/in _front _of ʼAⱱīshay and_they _came the_city and_ Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) _he _returned from_under the _people _of ˊAmmōn and_he _went Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem).

Show passage in OET: CH1 19:8–15

OET-RV CH1 19:8

8 When David heard about that, he sent Yoav (Joab) with the entire army.

OET-RV CH1 19:9

9 Then the Amonim marched out and deployed ready for battle at the entrance to their city, while the kings who’d come were over in the countryside with their men.

OET-RV CH1 19:10

10 Yoav quickly realised that he’d have to fight on two fronts, so he chose Yisrael’s (Israel) best warriors and sent them out to face the Arameans (Syrians),

OET-RV CH1 19:11

11 while he sent the remaining men (under the control of his older brother Avishay) out against the Amonim.

OET-RV CH1 19:12

12 Yoav told them, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you can come to rescue me. But if the Amonim start to gain on you, then I’ll come to rescue you.

OET-RV CH1 19:13

13 We must be strong and fight hard to defend our people and our cities that belong to our god. Yahweh will do what he considers to be good.”

OET-RV CH1 19:14

14 So Yoav advanced his troops to attack the Arameans, but the Arameans fled away from them.

OET-RV CH1 19:15

15 When the Amonim saw that the Arameans had fled, they also fled from Avishay and withdrew into the city, so Yoav went back to Yerushalem (Jerusalem).

OET-LV CH1 19:8

8 And_ Dāvid _he/it _listened and_he _sent DOM Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_DOM all _of the_army the_warriors.

OET-LV CH1 19:9

9 And_ the _people _of ˊAmmōn _they _went _out and_they _deployed battle the _entrance _of the_city and_the_kings who they _had _come they_alone were_in_country.

OET-LV CH1 19:10

10 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _saw if/because _that it _was the _face _of the _battle to_him/it before and_behind and_he _chose from_all chosen_man in_Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_he _deployed to_meet ʼArām.

OET-LV CH1 19:11

11 And_DOM the _rest _of the _people he _put in_the _hand _of ʼAⱱshay his/its_brother and_they _deployed to_meet the _people _of ˊAmmōn.

OET-LV CH1 19:12

12 And_he/it _said if it _will _be_too_strong for_me ʼArām and_you _will _become to/for_me (into)_deliverance and_if the _people _of ˊAmmōn they _will _be_too_strong for_you and_I_will _deliver _you.

OET-LV CH1 19:13

13 Be _strong and_let _us _show _ourselves _strong for people _of_our and_for the _cities _of our _god _of_our and_YHWH the_good in_eyes _of_his he _will _do.

OET-LV CH1 19:14

14 And_ Yōʼāⱱ and_the_people which with_him/it _he _drew _near to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before ʼArām for_battle and_they _fled from_before _of_him.

OET-LV CH1 19:15

15 And_the _sons of _ˊAmmōn they _saw if/because _that ʼArām it _had _fled and_ also they _they _fled from_face/in _front _of ʼAⱱshay his/its_brother and_they _came to_the_city and_ Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) _he _went Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem).

Jump to OET SA2 8:16 section.

Jump to OET SA2 11:1 section.

Jump to OET CH1 11:6–8 section.

Jump to OET CH1 18:15 section.

Jump to OET SA2 10:7–14 section.

Jump to OET CH1 19:8–15 section.

Joab’s loyalties to David and shrewd control of the army are seen during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sm 15). Joab suppressed the conspiracy (ch 18), but ignoring a direct order from David not to kill his son (18:5), brutally killed him anyway (vv 10-17). When David mourned, Joab rebuked the king, urging that a crisis with the army was imminent (19:5-7). This insubordination led David to replace Joab with Amasa as commander (v 13), but later, at Gibeon, Joab also killed him dishonorably (20:8-10). Joab’s influence in the army must have been great, since he regained his former role as military commander (2 Sm 20:23, 24:2; 1 Kgs 1:19).

Show passage in OET: SA2 18:5

OET-RV SA2 18:5

5 Then he commanded Yoav and Avishay and Itay, “For my sake, don’t harm my son Avshalom (Absalom).” All the people heard the king give this command about Avshalom to all the leaders.

OET-LV SA2 18:5

5 And_ the_king _he/it _commanded DOM Yōʼāⱱ and_DOM ʼAⱱīshay and_DOM ʼIttay to_say to_gentleness to_me to_man to_ʼAⱱīshālōm and_all the_people they _heard when_ the_king _commanded DOM all _of the_commanders on the _matter _of ʼAⱱīshālōm.

Show passage in OET: SA2 18:10–17

OET-RV SA2 18:10

10 Someone noticed him and informed Yoav that he’d seen Avshalom hanging in a tree.

OET-RV SA2 18:11

11 “What!. You saw him but didn’t strike him down?” Yoav challenged. “I would have given you ten silver coins and a leather belt.”

OET-RV SA2 18:12

12 “Even if you’d placed one thousand silver coins in my hands,” he replied, “I wouldn’t have harmed the king’s son, because we heard the king’s command with our own ears about looking out for Avshalom.

OET-RV SA2 18:13

13 Even if I’d ignored my good sense, the king would have found out about it, then even you wouldn’t have stood up for me.”

OET-RV SA2 18:14

14 “I’m not going to waste time arguing with you,” Yoav responded, then he took three spears and went and thrust them into Avshalom’s abdomen while he was still alive and dangling from the tree.

OET-RV SA2 18:15

15 Then ten young men who carried Yoav’s weapons surrounded Avshalom and finished him off.

OET-RV SA2 18:16

16 Then Yoav blew the trumpet to signal the end of the fighting and the people returned from chasing Avshalom’s men.

OET-RV SA2 18:17

17 They took Avshalom’s body and threw it into a large pit in the forest and covered it with a large pile of stones. Meanwhile his men fled back to their homes.

OET-LV SA2 18:10

10 And_ a _man one _he/it _saw and_he _told to_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_he/it _said THERE I _saw DOM ʼAⱱīshālōm hung _up in_terebinth.

OET-LV SA2 18:11

11 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _said to_man who_had_told to_him/it and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE you _saw and_why not did_you _strike _him _down there ground_to_the and_on_me to_give to/for_yourself(m) ten silver and_a _belt one.

OET-LV SA2 18:12

12 And_ the_man _he/it _said to Yōʼāⱱ and I was_weighing on palms _of_my a _thousand silver not I _will _stretch _out hand _of_my against the _son _of the_king if/because in_ears _of_our the_king he _commanded you and_DOM ʼAⱱīshay and_DOM ʼIttay to_say protect whoever (in)_the_man (in)_ʼAⱱīshālōm.

OET-LV SA2 18:13

13 Or I _had _done in/on/at/with falsehood and_all thing not it _is _hidden from the_king and_you(ms) you _will _stand from_in _front.

OET-LV SA2 18:14

14 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _said not thus I _will _wait to_your_face and_he/it _took three spears in_palm _of_his and_he_thrust _them in_the _heart _of ʼAⱱīshālōm still_he was_alive in_the _heart _of the _terebinth.

OET-LV SA2 18:15

15 And_ ten young _men the _bearers _of the _armour(s)_of Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) _they _surrounded_him and_they _struck DOM ʼAⱱīshālōm and_they_killed _him.

OET-LV SA2 18:16

16 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he _gave _a _blast on_trumpet and_ the_people _it _turned _back from_pursuing after Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) if/because Yōʼāⱱ he _restrained DOM the_people.

OET-LV SA2 18:17

17 And_they _took DOM ʼAⱱīshālōm and_they _threw DOM_him/it in_forest into the_pit (the)_great and_they _set _up on/upon/above_him/it a _heap _of stones great very and_all Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) they _fled each his.

Show passage in OET: SA2 19:5–7

OET-RV SA2 19:5

5 Then Yoav went to the house where the king was and said, “Today you’ve made your followers feel ashamed—the ones who saved your life today and the lives of your sons and daughters, and the lives of your wives and your slave-wives.

OET-RV SA2 19:6

6 By loving those who hate you and hating those who love you, you’ve effectively declared today that your officers and men mean nothing to you. It seems to us that if Avshalom was still alive today and we were all dead, then it would have all been okay to you.

OET-RV SA2 19:7

7 So get up now and go and speak sincerely to your servants, because as Yahweh lives, if you don’t then you won’t have a single warrior still with you by the end of the night, and that would result in more trouble for you than anything else that’s happened to you since you were just a lad.”

OET-LV SA2 19:6

6  And_ Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) _he _went to the_king the_house and_he/it _said you _have _put _to _shame the_day DOM the _faces _of all _of your_servants who_rescued DOM life _of_your the_day and_DOM the _life _of your(pl)_sons _of_your and_daughters _of_your and_the _life _of your(pl)_wives _of_your and_the _life _of your(pl)_concubines _of_your.

OET-LV SA2 19:7

7  By_loving DOM those _of_who_hate _you and_by_hating DOM those _of_who_love _you if/because you _have _made _known the_day if/because _that there_are_not to/for_yourself(m) commanders and_servants if/because I _know the_day if/because _that if ʼAⱱīshālōm was_alive and_all _of_of _us the_day were_dead if/because _that then it _would _be_right in_eyes _of_your.

OET-LV SA2 19:8

8  And_now arise go _out and_speak to the _heart _of your_servants if/because by_YHWH I _swear if/because _that not_you are_coming _out if a _man he _will _lodge with_you the_night and_it _will _be _bad to/for_yourself(m) this from_all the_harm which it _has _come on_you since_youth(s)_of_your until now.

Show passage in OET: SA2 19:13

OET-RV SA2 19:13

13 And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my own flesh and bone? May God make me suffer if you don’t become my army commander from now on, to replace Yoav (Joab).’ ”

OET-LV SA2 19:14

14  And_to_ˊAmāsāʼ you(pl)_will _say am_not bone _of_my and_flesh _of_my are_you thus may _he _do to/for_me god and_thus may _he _add if not commander _of the_army you _will _be to/for_my_face/front all _of the_days in _place _of Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab).

Show passage in OET: SA2 20:8–10

OET-RV SA2 20:8

8 When they were approaching the huge rock at Giveon, they met Amasa. Yoav was dressed for battle with a dagger strapped to his waist under his robe. As he stepped forward, he allowed his sword to drop to the ground from his hand.

OET-RV SA2 20:9

9 Yoav greeted Amasa, “Is all well with you, my brother?” Then he used his right hand to hold Amasa’s beard to kiss him,

OET-RV SA2 20:10

10 but Amasa wasn’t aware of the dagger that was in Yoav’s other hand. Yoav thrust it into his stomach and his intestines poured out on the ground. There was no need to stab him again and Amasa died right there.
¶ Then Yoav and his brother Avishay continued their hunt for Bikri’s son Sheva.

OET-LV SA2 20:8

8 They were_near the_stone (the)_great which is_in_Giⱱˊōn and_ˊAmāsāʼ he _came before_them and_Yōʼāⱱ was_girded garment _of_his clothing _of_his it a _belt _of a _sword was_fastened on loins _of_his in_sheath _of_its and_he he _went _forward and_it _fell.

OET-LV SA2 20:9

9 And_ Yōʼāⱱ _he/it _said to_ˊAmāsāʼ peace are_you my_brother/kindred and_ the _hand _of the _right _side _of Yōʼāⱱ _it _took _hold on_the _beard _of ˊAmāsāʼ to_kiss to_him/it.

OET-LV SA2 20:10

10 And_ˊAmāsāʼ not he _took _heed to_sword which was_in_the _hand _of Yōʼāⱱ and_he_struck _him with_it into the_belly and_ bowels _of_his _he _poured _out towards_land and_not he _repeated to_him/it and_he/it _died and_Yōʼāⱱ and_ʼAⱱīshay his/its_brother he _pursued after Sheⱱaˊ the _son _of Bicri.

Show passage in OET: SA2 20:23–24

OET-RV SA2 20:23

23 Now Yoav (Joab) was over the entire Israeli army, and Benayah (Yehoyada’s son) was over the kings bodyguards.

OET-RV SA2 20:24

24 Adoniram was over the forced labour, and Ahilud’s son Yehoshafat (Jehoshaphat) was the secretary and

OET-LV SA2 20:23

23 And_Yōʼāⱱ was_to all _of the_army of _Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_Bənā^yāh the _son _of Yəhōyādāˊ/(Jehoiada) was_over the and_over the_Pelethite[s].

OET-LV SA2 20:24

24 And_ʼAdorām was_over the _forced_labour and_Yəhōshāfāţ/(Jehoshaphat) the _son _of ʼAḩīlūd was_the_recorder.

Show passage in OET: KI1 1:19

OET-RV KI1 1:19

19 He’s sacrificing many oxen and calves and sheep, and he invited the priest Evyatar, and Yoav (Joab) the commander of the army, and all your sons except for your servant Shelomoh.

OET-LV KI1 1:19

19 And_he/it _sacrificed ox[en] and_fatling and_sheep to_increase _in _number and_he/it _called to/from_all/each/any/every the _sons _of the_king and_(to)_ʼEⱱyātār the_priest/officer and_(to)_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _commander _of the _army and_(to)_Shəlomoh servant _of_your not he _has _invited.

Jump to OET SA2 18:5 section.

Jump to OET SA2 18:10–17 section.

Jump to OET SA2 19:5–7 section.

Jump to OET SA2 19:13 section.

Jump to OET SA2 20:8–10 section.

Jump to OET SA2 20:23–24 section.

Jump to OET KI1 1:19 section.

At the end of David’s reign, Joab supported the conspiracy of Adonijah and Abiathar against the throne (1 Kgs 1:7). David’s distrust of him led the king to warn Solomon specifically about Joab’s repeated treacheries (2:5-9). Solomon had to resolve the problem of an untrustworthy army. Therefore, upon his father’s death, Solomon pursued the conspirators Adonijah (v 23), Abiathar (v 26), and Joab (v 28). Solomon’s officer Benaiah found Joab at the altar seeking refuge and killed him there (vv 28-35), thus cleansing Solomon’s reign from the wrongdoing of Joab.

Show passage in OET: KI1 1:7

OET-RV KI1 1:7

7 He had spoken with Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) and the priest Evyatar and they had both agreed to support him.

OET-LV KI1 1:7

7 And_ words/messages _of_his _they _were with Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) and_with ʼEⱱyātār the_priest/officer and_they _helped after ʼAdoniy^yāh.

Show passage in OET: KI1 2:5–9

OET-RV KI1 2:5

5 “Also you’re aware of what Tseruyah’s son Yoav (Joab) did to me—what he did to two of the commanders of Yisrael’s armies—to Ner’s son Avner and to Yeter’s son Amasa. He murdered them, shedding blood in peace-time as if it was in a war, and the blood guilt is on him from head to toe.

OET-RV KI1 2:6

6 So use your own wisdom, but don’t let Yoav get old and die peacefully.

OET-RV KI1 2:7

7 However, return loyal kindness to the sons of Barzilay the Giladi, and invite them to join you at your table because they helped me when I was fleeing from your brother Avshalom (Absalom).

OET-RV KI1 2:8

8 Then there’s Gera’s son Shimei, the Benyamite from Bahurim. He cursed me horribly when I was going to Mahanayim. Then he went down to meet me at the Yarden (Jordan), and I promised him by Yahweh that I wouldn’t execute him,

OET-RV KI1 2:9

9 so don’t leave him unpunished now. You’re a wise man and you’ll know how to handle him. Although he’s old, make sure he has a bloody death.

OET-LV KI1 2:5

5 And_also you you _know DOM that_which he _did to_me Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _son _of Tsərū^yāh/(Zeruiah) that_which he _did to_the _two _of the _commanders _of the _armies _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) to_ʼAⱱnēr the _son _of Nēr and_to_ˊAmāsāʼ the _son _of Yeter/(Jether) and_he_killed _them and_he/it _assigned blood(s)_of war in_peace and_he/it _gave blood(s)_of war on_belt _of_his which was_on_loins _of_his and_on_sandal[s]_of_his which was_on_feet _of_his.

OET-LV KI1 2:6

6 And_you _will _act according_to _of_your _wisdom and_not you _must _bring _down hair _of_his _grey in_peace Shəʼōl.

OET-LV KI1 2:7

7 And_to_the _sons _of Barzillay the_Gilˊādite you _will _do loyalty and_they _will _be among_those _who_eat _of your _table _of_your if/because thus they _drew _near to_me when_fled_I from_face/in _front _of ʼAⱱīshālōm your(ms)_brother/kindred.

OET-LV KI1 2:8

8 And_BEHOLD/LO/SEE is_with_you Shimˊī the _son _of Gērāʼ the _Ben-_of (the)_jaminite from_Baḩurīm and_he he_cursed _me a _curse grievous in/on_day went_I Maḩₐnāyim and_he he _came _down to_meet_me the_Yardēn/(Jordan) and_I _swore to_him/it by_YHWH to_say if I_will _put _you _to _death by_sword.

OET-LV KI1 2:9

9 And_now do _not leave_him _unpunished if/because are_a _man wise you and_you _will _know DOM that_which you _will _do for_him/it and_you _will _bring _down DOM hair _of_his _grey in_blood Shəʼōl.

Show passage in OET: KI1 2:23

OET-RV KI1 2:23

23 Then Shelomoh promised by Yahweh, “May God do to me whatever he wants, unless Adoniyah pays with his life for saying that.

OET-LV KI1 2:23

23 And_ the_king Shəlomoh _he _swore _an _oath by_YHWH to_say thus may _he _do to/for_me god and_thus may _he _add if/because by_his _own _of_life ʼAdoniy^yāh he _has _spoken DOM the_message (the)_this.

Show passage in OET: KI1 2:26

OET-RV KI1 2:26

26 Then concerning Evyatar the priest, the king told him, “Go to your fields at Anatot because you’re marked for death, but I won’t do it today because you carried my master Yahweh’s sacred box ahead of my father David, and because you suffered through all that my father suffered.”

OET-LV KI1 2:26

26 And_to_ʼEⱱyātār the_priest/officer the_king he _said ˊAnātōt go to fields _of_your if/because are_a _man _of death you and_on_day the_this not I_will _put _you _to _death if/because you _carried DOM the _box _of my_master YHWH to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before Dāvid father _of_my and_because/when you _were _afflicted in_all that father _of_my he _was _afflicted.

Show passage in OET: KI1 2:28

OET-RV KI1 2:28

28 ⇔When the news of that reached Yoav (Joab), he fled to Yahweh’s tent and held onto the horns of the altar, because he had supported Adoniyah (even though he hadn’t supported Avshalom (Absalom)).

OET-LV KI1 2:28

28 And_the_report it _came to Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) if/because Yōʼāⱱ he _had _turned _aside after ʼAdoniy^yāh and_after ʼAⱱīshālōm not he _had _turned _aside and_ Yōʼāⱱ _he _fled to the _tent _of YHWH and_he _took _hold on_the _horns _of the _altar.

Show passage in OET: KI1 2:28–35

OET-RV KI1 2:28

OET-RV KI1 2:29

29 Someone told King Shelomoh that Yoav had fled to Yahweh’s tent and was there beside the altar, so Shelomoh instructed Yehoyada’s son Benayah, “Go and strike him down.”

OET-RV KI1 2:30

30 So Benayah entered Yahweh’s tent and he told Yoav, “The king said for you to come out.”
¶ “No, I’ll die here,” he replied.
¶ So Benayah went back to the king and reported both sides of the conversation

OET-RV KI1 2:31

31 and the king told him, “Just do what he said. Kill him and bury him, and in that way you’ll remove the blood guilt from me and my descendants for the blood that Yoav shed without cause.

OET-RV KI1 2:32

32 Yahweh will return his blood onto his own head, because he attacked two men more righteous and better than himself: Ner’s son Avner, the commander of Yisrael’s (Israel) army, and Yeter’s son Amasa, the commander of Yehudah’s (Judah) army. He killed them with the sword and my father David didn’t have anything to do with it.

OET-RV KI1 2:33

33 Their shed blood will return onto Yoav’s head and on the heads of his descendants forever. But for David and his family and his descendants and his throne, Yahweh will give peace forever.”

OET-RV KI1 2:34

34 So Yehoyada’s son Benayah went and struck Yoav at the altar and killed him. Then he was buried on his property in the wilderness.

OET-RV KI1 2:35

35 The king appointed Benayah as army commander to replace Yoav, and appointed Tsadok as priest in place of Evyatar.

OET-LV KI1 2:28

OET-LV KI1 2:29

29 And_it _was _told to/for_the _king Shəlomoh if/because _that Yōʼāⱱ he _had _fled to the _tent _of YHWH and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE he_was_beside the_altar and_ Shəlomoh _he _sent DOM Bənā^yāh the _son _of Yəhōyādāˊ to_say go fall in/on/over_him/it.

OET-LV KI1 2:30

30 And_ Bənā^yāh _he _went to the _tent _of YHWH and_he/it _said to_him/it thus the_king he _says come _out and_he/it _said no if/because here I _will _die and_ Bənā^yāh _he _brought _back DOM the_king message to_say thus Yōʼāⱱ he _spoke and_thus he_answered _me.

OET-LV KI1 2:31

31 And_he/it _said to_him/it the_king do just_as he _has _spoken and_fall in/on/over_him/it and_you_will _bury _him and_you _will _remove blood(s)_of without _cause which Yōʼāⱱ he _has _shed from_on_me and_from_on the _house _of my _father _of_my.

OET-LV KI1 2:32

32 And_ YHWH _he _will _bring _back DOM blood _of_his on his/its_head who he _fell on_two _of men righteous and_good from_him/it and_he_killed _them with_sword and_father _of_my Dāvid not he _knew DOM ʼAⱱnēr the _son _of Nēr the _commander _of the _army _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_DOM ˊAmāsāʼ the _son _of Yeter/(Jether) the _commander _of the _army _of Yəhūdāh/(Judah).

OET-LV KI1 2:33

33 And_ blood(s)_of_their _they _will _return on_the _head _of Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) and_on_the _head _of his/its_seed to_vanishing _point and_to_Dāvid and_to_offspring _of_his and_to_house _of_his and_to_throne _of_his it _will _belong peace until perpetuity from_with YHWH.

OET-LV KI1 2:34

34 And_ Bənā^yāh the _son _of Yəhōyādāˊ/(Jehoiada) _he/it _ascended and_he _fell in/on/over_him/it and_he_put _him _to _death and_he _was _buried in_his _own _of_house in_wilderness.

OET-LV KI1 2:35

35 And_ the_king _he/it _gave DOM Bənā^yāh the _son _of Yəhōyādāˊ in_place _of _him over the_army and_DOM Tsādōq/(Zadok) the_priest/officer the_king he _put in _place _of ʼEⱱyātār.

Jump to OET KI1 1:7 section.

Jump to OET KI1 2:5–9 section.

Jump to OET KI1 2:23 section.

Jump to OET KI1 2:26 section.

Jump to OET KI1 2:28 section.

Jump to OET KI1 2:28–35 section.

Show passage in OET: CH1 2:54

OET-RV CH1 2:54

54 Salma’s descendants were the people of Beyt -Lehem, the Netofatim, the clan of Atrot -Beyt -Yo’av, and half of the Manahatim, who were also Tsor’im.

OET-LV CH1 2:54

54 The _sons _of Salmāʼ were_Bēyt- lehem and_the_Nəţofātī[s] ˊAţrōt _Bēyt- Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) ˊAţrōt _Bēyt- and _(the)_half _of the _Mānaḩatite[s] the_Zorite[s].

Jump to OET CH1 2:54 section.

3. Judahite, Seraiah’s son from the house of Kenaz and forefather of the residents of the valley of craftsmen (1 Chr 4:14).

Show passage in OET: CH1 4:14

OET-RV CH1 4:14

14 Me’onotay had a son Ofrah, and Serayah fathered Yoav (Joab), the founder of Craftsmen’s Valley, because they were craftsmen.

OET-LV CH1 4:14

14 And_Məˊōnotay he _fathered DOM ˊOfrāh and_Sərā^yāh he _fathered DOM Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) the _father _of Ge if/because craftsmen they _were.

Jump to OET CH1 4:14 section.

4. Forefather of a clan of Jews who returned to Palestine with Zerubbabel following the exile (Ezr 2:6; Neh 7:11).

Show passage in OET: EZR 2:6

OET-RV EZR 2:6

• 6 2,812 descendants of Pahat -Moav, from the families of Yeshua and Yoav (Joab),

OET-LV EZR 2:6

6 The _descendants _of Paḩat- Mōʼāⱱ of_the _descendants _of of _Yēshūˊa Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) two _thousand eight hundred(s) and_two _plus ten.

Show passage in OET: NEH 7:11

OET-RV NEH 7:11

• 11 2,818 descendants of Pahat -Moav (descendants of Yeshua and Yoav (Joab)),

OET-LV NEH 7:11

11 The _descendants _of Paḩat- Mōʼāⱱ of_the _descendants _of of _Yēshūˊa and_Yōʼāⱱ/(Joab) two _thousand and_eight hundred(s) eight- teen.

Jump to OET EZR 2:6 section.

Jump to OET NEH 7:11 section.

5. Forefather of a family of which 219 members returned with Ezra to Palestine following the exile (Ezr 8:9). He is perhaps identifiable with #4 above.