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The death of Joab and the accession of Solomon

1993; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 7; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09018329308585012

1502-7244

George G. Nicol,

Archaeology and Historical Studies

Abstract The paper attempts a literary reading of the account of Joab's death, paying due attention to the preceding narratives about David in which Joab plays a part In four narratives, Joab is involved in a killing (of Abner, Uriah, Absalom and Amasa) which is ultimately beneficial to David, although it may occur without his knowledge or against his express command. In general, David distances himself from those violent deaths from which he benefits, whether by having the killer executed (2 Sam 1,19–27; 3,31–38; 18,33–19,4). The King's assassin as well as his loyal general, these narratives suggest that Joab must die, not because his killing of Abner and Amasa has brought blood‐guilt upon David, but because having supported for the succession, his loyalty was not transferable to Solomon.