2 Samuel 3:22-30

a Treacherous Revenge

2 Samuel 3:22

There is no doubt that Abner was guilty of disloyalty and treachery, but this did not excuse Joab's dastardly act. He could not claim the right to act as goel -blood avenger-for his dead brother, because Asahel had died a soldier's death in open war. Joab was probably actuated by jealousy of the military talents, the vast influence and the widespread popularity of the rival general whom he murdered in cold blood, just outside the city of refuge. Evidently he was a fierce, cruel, unscrupulous man, who hurt David more than he helped him, 2 Samuel 3:39. But Joab also was destined to suffer similar punishment in after-years, 1 Kings 2:28.

This world is governed according to a plan. We need not try to climb into the judgment-seat. God is there already. His rewards and punishments befall with greater certainty than we always believe. Whether their schemes are hidden amid the intricacies of state, or open to all eyes, let us be sure that evil men reap as they have sown, and suffer evils similar to those which they endeavor to inflict upon others. We all get our deserts.