JOAB (HEB. JÔ'ÂBH "YAHWEH IS FATHER"). - Son of Zeruiah, sister of David (v.), he is a leading figure during the reign of his uncle. In the first seven years he led David's troops against those of Ish-bosheth (v.) commanded by Abner (v.), whom he then killed treacherously (precisely while he was trying to be reconciled with David) to avenge the death of his brother Asahel (II Sam. 2-3). After David laid siege to Jerusalem, a daring exploit of J. determined its fall: this earned him the post of supreme commander (II Sam. 5, 6-8; I Chron. 11, 4-6). He distinguished himself in the wars against the Ammonites, the Arameans and especially against the Edomites, whom he nearly exterminated (II Sam. 10-11; Ps. 59, 2; I Kings 11, 14-21).
During the Ammonite war he became an accomplice of his uncle in the murder of Uriah (v.). He interceded with David to bring back his outlawed cousin Absalom (II Sam. 14); but when the latter attempted to depose his father, J., having defeated him in battle, killed him with his own hand, unarmed, against David's prohibition (II Sam. 18). He also killed treacherously another cousin, Amasa, to whom David, in order to punish J., had given command of the army during the revolt of Sheba, afterward put down by J. (II Sam. 20, 4-13). He carried out, against his will, the census ordered by the king, which had disastrous consequences (II Sam. 24). He was already old when Solomon succeeded David: having taken the side of Adonijah (v.) instead of him, he was put to death by Solomon near the altar where he had taken refuge (I Kings 1-2). A man of rare political shrewdness, a soldier and commander of the greatest valor, he was nevertheless wicked. Ambition was the primary motive of all his crimes.
Another J. was famous for a progeny of craftsmen (I Chron. 4, 14). Of another J. the descendants were among those returning from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2, 6).
Bibliography
Gino Bressan