Today I read 2 Samuel 20, in which Sheba leads Israel to revolt and ends up dead. Joab kills Amasa and takes over as leader of the army. Today I considered that it is wise to address problems at the beginning and sometimes people want to take back what they consider theirs.
Revolt and Killings
Sheba’s revolt against David is put down and Joab takes the position as leader of the army from Amasa (2 Samuel 20:1-23). Sheba got everyone’s attention and then told them they are not connected to David or his father Jesse so go home. The men of Israel listened to Sheba and followed Sheba while the men of Judah still followed David. David told the new captain of the army Amasa to gather the men of Judah within three days but he did not return quickly enough. David sent Abishai after Sheba so Sheba did not have time to build resources to revolt. Joab caught up to Amasa, while going after Sheba. When Amasa’s sword fell from the belt Joab gave him, Joab picked it up. Joab greeted Amasa with a kiss while stabbing him with the sword. Joab and the army chased Sheba to Abel and attacked the city. A wise woman in the city asked to speak to Joab. She asked why they were attacking and Joab said Sheba had gone against the king. The wise woman promised to send Sheba’s head over the wall. She talked to the people and they sent Sheba’s head over the wall. Joab stopped attacking the city and became over the army again.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
When leadership changes it is normal to have someone not agree and try to take power. Sheba’s actions are not a surprise. It was wise for David to react quickly to Sheba. What I wonder about is Joab killing Amasa. The sword seemed to fall from the garment Joab gave Amasa. Was Joab insulted at this or was Joab always waiting for an opportunity to kill Amasa? Was it a quick temper or loss aversion “where people would be more sensitive to the possibility of losing objects or money than to the possibility of winning”? Regardless he did kill Amasa and took back his former position.
What do you think was the reason Joab killed Amasa?