“And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.”
Context:In this verse, Joab, the commander of David’s army, encounters Amasa, who was recently appointed as the commander of Absalom’s army. This encounter takes place after Absalom’s rebellion against David, which resulted in a civil war within Israel. Joab and his men were loyal to David and were actively involved in quelling the rebellion.
Joab’s deception:Joab approaches Amasa with seemingly friendly words, addressing him as “my brother” and inquiring about his well‑being. However, Joab’s actions following his greeting reveal a hidden intent. Joab takes hold of Amasa’s beard with his right hand as if to kiss him but instead draws a weapon and kills him.
Motivation behind Joab’s action:Joab’s motive for killing Amasa can be traced back to their previous interactions. Amasa was Absalom’s general, which implies that he had sided against David. Earlier, Joab had a personal grudge against Amasa because he had replaced Joab as the commander of David’s army. Joab saw Amasa’s appointment as a threat to his position and authority. Hence, this encounter provided Joab with an opportunity to eliminate his rival and secure his own position in David’s army.
Lessons and Application:
- Deception and hidden motives:This passage illustrates the danger of deception and hidden motives. Joab’s actions serve as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and it is essential to discern people’s intentions and actions before placing trust in them.
- Grudges and personal vendettas:Joab’s personal grudge against Amasa led him to commit a treacherous act. This highlights the destructive nature of holding onto grudges and seeking revenge. As followers of God, we are called to forgive and reconcile with others, seeking unity and peace rather than harboring bitterness and seeking personal gain at the expense of others.
- Integrity and loyalty:David’s loyal followers, represented by Joab, demonstrated their commitment to their king by opposing those who rebelled against him. This points to the importance of loyalty, integrity, and remaining steadfast in our commitments, especially when faced with challenges or temptations to abandon our principles.
- Historical and literary context:2 Samuel is a book in the Old Testament that chronicles the life of King David. Chapter 20 narrates the aftermath of Absalom’s rebellion and the events that unfolded as David regained control of Israel. The encounter between Joab and Amasa in verse 9 highlights the political and military intrigue present during that time.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 20:9 portrays Joab’s deceitful act of killing Amasa, highlighting the dangers of hidden motives, grudges, and personal vendettas. This passage prompts us to reflect on the importance of discernment, forgiveness, loyalty, and integrity in our own lives.
