2 Samuel 20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Joab's seemingly friendly greeting, "Is it well with you, my brother?", is a chillingly deliberate deception. He uses the intimate gesture of taking someone by the beard to kiss them, a sign of respect and deep affection, as a cover for his murderous intent. This is a stark reminder that betrayal can come cloaked in the warmest of appearances.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing a rebel named Sheba. He intercepts Amasa, who had been appointed commander by David in Joab's place and was now leading the pursuit. Joab acts friendly, calling Amasa "brother" and embracing him, but this is a deceptive maneuver before he brutally murders Amasa.
Joab, a man of war and David's chief commander, approaches Amasa, his rival for military leadership. What unfolds is a chilling example of how the most innocent gestures can hide the most sinister plans.
Joab's action here is a masterclass in deception. He uses a gesture of peace and brotherhood – grasping the beard and offering a kiss – to disarm Amasa. This wasn't a genuine sign of reconciliation, but a calculated move to gain physical proximity. The NIV translation even notes that Joab 'took hold of Amasa's beard with his right hand to kiss him.' This physical embrace makes the subsequent betrayal all the more shocking.
The immediate aftermath of this seemingly friendly encounter is brutal. This scene forces us to consider the nature of outward appearances versus inward reality.
Joab's right hand, the one extended in a friendly gesture, is the same hand that will soon wield the sword. The text doesn't explicitly state Joab drew his sword, but the context implies it. Amasa, trusting the deceptive greeting, lets his guard down. This highlights the danger of misplaced trust and the devastating consequences when malice operates under the guise of friendship.
Understand the original words
nashaq · Hebrew Verb
A customary greeting between men in ancient Near Eastern culture, often signifying friendship, kinship, or alliance. Its abuse in this context highlights the deception and betrayal of the act.
Joab's treacherous act against Amasa, highlighted by the seemingly friendly greeting, reveals the intense power struggles and brutal politics within David's court, even as the kingdom faced internal division.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David is anointed king of Israel, marking the beginning of a united monarchy and a period of relative peace and expansion.
c. 1005 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son Absalom leads a rebellion against his father, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. This event deeply shook the kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
Amasa Appointed Commander
During Absalom's rebellion, David appoints Amasa as commander of the army, replacing Joab who had pursued and killed Absalom. This caused significant tension.
c. 1005 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Crushed
Joab defeats Absalom's forces, and Absalom himself is killed, despite David's orders to spare him. This left Joab as the de facto military leader again.
c. 1005 BC
This passage shows David sparing Saul, demonstrating a different kind of leadership that values life over immediate political gain, contrasting sharply with Joab's treacherous actions.
Psalm 55:12-14This psalm speaks to the deep pain of betrayal by a close friend, mirroring the shock and hurt Amasa must have felt at Joab's sudden violence, even using similar language of companionship.
Proverbs 26:24-26This proverb warns about a person who disguises hatred with smooth words, directly reflecting Joab's deceptive greeting and immediate deadly intent towards Amasa.
Matthew 26:47-50This New Testament parallel shows Jesus being betrayed with a kiss, a symbol of affection turned into a sign of treachery by Judas, echoing the deceitful nature of Joab's actions.
Joab's seemingly friendly greeting, "Is it well with you, my brother?", is a chillingly deliberate deception. He uses the intimate gesture of taking someone by the beard to kiss them, a sign of respect and deep affection, as a cover for his murderous intent. This is a stark reminder that betrayal can come cloaked in the warmest of appearances.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing a rebel named Sheba. He intercepts Amasa, who had been appointed commander by David in Joab's place and was now leading the pursuit. Joab acts friendly, calling Amasa "brother" and embracing him, but this is a deceptive maneuver before he brutally murders Amasa.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing a rebel named Sheba. He intercepts Amasa, who had been appointed commander by David in Joab's place and was now leading the pursuit. Joab acts friendly, calling Amasa "brother" and embracing him, but this is a deceptive maneuver before he brutally murders Amasa.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Samuel 20:9 is available in the Sola app.
Joab's Rivalry with Amasa
Amasa is reinstated by David after the rebellion, but Joab's resentment and rivalry likely continued, setting the stage for the events in 2 Samuel 20.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
Amasa Murdered by Joab
While ostensibly on a mission for David, Joab treacherously murders Amasa, whom he had just greeted with a deceptive kiss, reclaiming command of the army.
"And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him." — Joab's seemingly friendly greeting, "Is it well with you, my brother?", is a chillingly deliberate deception. He uses the intimate gesture of taking someone by the beard to kiss them, a sign of respe…
