“But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.”
In this verse, we encounter a significant event involving Amasa, Joab, and Sheba the son of Bichri. To better understand its context and significance, it’s helpful to explore the broader narrative surrounding this passage.
Chapter 20 of 2 Samuel recounts an incident that took place after David’s return to Jerusalem following Absalom’s rebellion. Sheba, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, instigated a revolt against David’s rule. The people of Israel began to follow Sheba, threatening David’s reign.
At this point, David had recently appointed Amasa to be the commander of his army. However, Amasa had not yet managed to gather the troops to suppress Sheba’s rebellion. Recognizing the urgency, David sent Abishai, Joab, and the elite Cherethites and Pelethites to pursue Sheba.
When Amasa eventually arrives to gather his troops, Joab also joins him, concealing a deadly sword. As the verse in question describes, Amasa fails to recognize the danger and proceeds toward Joab, who strikes him in the fifth rib with the sword. The blow causes Amasa’s bowels to spill out onto the ground, leading to his death. Subsequently, Joab and his brother Abishai continue the pursuit of Sheba.
Joab’s motivation:Joab’s act of killing Amasa may seem perplexing at first glance. One possible explanation is that Joab viewed Amasa’s appointment as a threat to his own position as the commander of David’s army. By eliminating Amasa, Joab may have sought to maintain his authority and secure his position.
Joab’s character:Throughout the narrative of 2 Samuel, Joab is portrayed as a cunning and fiercely loyal military leader. However, he also demonstrates a propensity for violence and taking matters into his own hands. This incident further highlights Joab’s willingness to resort to extreme measures, even against his own comrades, to accomplish his objectives.
Divine intervention:Although the passage does not explicitly mention God’s involvement, we can observe that Joab’s actions ultimately contribute to fulfilling David’s mission to suppress the rebellion led by Sheba. It is noteworthy that God often works through flawed individuals and uses even their misguided actions to accomplish His purposes.
Consequences of Joab’s actions:Joab’s decision to kill Amasa ultimately affects him later in the story. In 1 Kings 2:5-6, David instructs Solomon to deal with Joab due to the blood he shed in times of peace, referring to this incident and other similar acts. As a result, Solomon orders Joab’s execution, highlighting the consequences of Joab’s violent behavior.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 20:10 captures a dramatic and consequential moment in the narrative of David’s reign. It sheds light on Joab’s character and motivations, demonstrates God’s ability to use flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, and sets the stage for future consequences. As with any passage, it is essential to consider the broader context and the theological themes that emerge from the text.
