Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(God his father). (1) General-in-chief of David’s army (2 Sam. 2:18-32; 3; 18; 20; 24; 1 Kings 2). (2) Son of Seraiah (1 Chron. 4:14). (3) One who returned (Ezra 2:6).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
1. Son of Zeruiah the sister of David. He was a bold and successful warrior, and was made David’s commander-in-chief; but he is not mentioned as associated with David until he was established at Hebron, and he is not classed among David’s valiant men. He treacherously slew Abner in cold blood, avowedly because Abner had killed Asahel, Joab’s brother; but the latter had been slain in battle (2 Sam. 3:23-27). He was the unscrupulous instrument of David’s sin in causing the death of Uriah (2 Sam. 11:14-17). The return of Absalom was brought about by his means, but when Absalom revolted, Joab remained faithful to David, and with his own hand slew Absalom (2 Sam. 18:11-15). Though David on this occasion needed to be reminded that his life and throne had been saved, yet Joab’s arrogant and threatening language to the king was unjustifiable; and Amasa was made captain of the host in the room of Joab. This roused the jealousy of Joab, and he craftily slew Amasa and resumed his place at the head of the army (2 Sam. 20:4-10). David had said before this, “These men, the sons of Zeruiah, be too hard for me”; but his own sin in the matter of Uriah made him feeble in the presence of Joab’s murder of Amasa.
When David wished the people to be numbered, Joab endeavored to dissuade him from it. The worldly wisdom in which he always acted, and not in faith, perceived the impolicy of the act (2 Sam. 24:1-4). His aiding Adonijah led to his ruin. When Solomon was declared king, David reminded him of what Joab had done to him, and how he had slain two captains in time of peace, and asked that his hoar head should not go down to the grave in peace (1 Kings 2:5-6). When Joab heard of the failure of Adonijah’s cause, he saw his danger, fled to the tabernacle, and caught hold of the horns of the altar. Refusing to leave when summoned, he was put to death at the altar. Thus punishment for the murders he had committed, though long delayed, fell now in righteous judgment upon him (1 Kings 2:33-34).
2. Descendant of Caleb the son of Hur (1 Chron. 2:54).
3. Son of Seraiah: described as “the father of the valley of Charashim,” or craftsmen (1 Chron. 4:14).
4-5. Two whose descendants returned from exile (Ezra 2:6; Ezra 8:9; Neh. 7:11).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
from {SI 13068}3068{/SI} and 1; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
Jehovah is father
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
The Lord our father; Jehovah-fathered:―name of three Israelites, 1 Sam. 26:6. {Dominus pater}
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