Joab
Theme:
The risk of using power for the wrong mission
Business Application:
Remember your North Star
Who he was:
King David’s nephew and commander of his army; Abishai and Asahel’s brother
Why his story matters:
He was a highly effective general who led David’s army to victories over many decades. However, he didn’t have the same heart as the king and ruthlessly used his strength for harm.
What we can learn from him:
The importance of wielding strength wisely. Staying true to our mission so we don’t miss out on the ultimate reward.
Where we see his archetype today:
Leaders who win at any cost and use their power to crush their opponents for personal reasons.
How we can learn more about him:
Joab is mentioned throughout 1 and Samuel, since he was David’s general. A few of the prominent stories of Joab’s behavior after David became king are his revenge against Joab in 2 Samuel 3; the way he enabled David’s murder of Uriah in 2 Samuel 14; disobeying the king’s orders during Absalom’s insurrection in 2 Samuel 18-19; undercutting Amasa, an emerging leader, in 2 Samuel 20; and the ultimate loss of his position in 1 Kings 1-2.