David’s Wisdom—and Joab’s

2 Samuel 19-20

            Joab’s wisdom is on display first as he calls David to account for his unkingly behavior. He chides him for weeping so loudly for Absalom that David’s men are ashamed of the victory they have just won. Joab finds the right lever, and David begns to act the king again.

            In his wisdom, David first greets and celebrates his troops. He rallies the tribes back to his cause. (Note the ongoing tension between the northern tribes and Judah.) He forgives Shimei and Ziba; he restores Mephibosheth; he rewards Barzillai. As at the beginning of his reign, once again he hits all the right notes of wisdom, magnaminity, and generosity, and the people are pleased again to have David as their king.

            One thing David does seems dangerous: he puts Amasa, Absalom’s general, in charge of the army. Joab, of course, is less than pleased and assassinates him. It’s tough to call Joab wise, but he’s definitely shrewd. He recognizes the danger of having a general with uncertain loyalties, so he ensures that the army is under his unquestioned command. (Leaving the dying body of Amasa on the ground in the middle of the road sends a certain message….) That the death of Amasa also advances Joab’s career is a nice side benefit for Joab. As in the case of Abner, Joab’s personal ambitions coincide with David’s political needs, and Joab does what he thinks is necessary.

            As I read 2 Samuel, though, Joab receives no praise for his behavior. We’re left to wonder what would have happened if the mercy of David had been allowed to blossom. How would things have worked out for David, for his descendants, the kingdom? We’ll never know, but I think we’re supposed wonder “What if David’s best kingly instincts had trumped Joab’s very pragmatic and violent ones?” It bears consideration, because Jesus’ kingly instincts are all for mercy and because the consistent testimony of the New Testament is that we are to follow Jesus’ (and David’s) example of mercy and gentleness…