2 Samuel 20:9-10
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. But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Joab's seemingly friendly greeting and gesture of taking Amasa by the beard are actually a chilling setup for treachery. The tenderness in "my brother" and the intimate act of kissing are completely undermined by the violent intent that follows, showing how deception can wear a disarming mask. This isn't just a political assassination; it's a brutal betrayal disguised as brotherhood.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing an enemy leader named Sheba. He stops his pursuit to intercept Amasa, the commander he himself had replaced, who is on his way to gather David's forces. Joab greets Amasa with a seemingly friendly gesture, but his true intentions are sinister, setting the stage for a brutal act of treachery.
Joab's question, 'Is it well with you?', sounds friendly, even brotherly. But it's a mask for something far more sinister. This verse is a stark reminder that not all peace is genuine.
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Joab was a man of action, a fierce warrior and commander under David. But he also had a reputation for ruthless expediency, sometimes acting outside of David's direct orders. Here, he confronts Amasa, who had been appointed commander over Joab's men after a previous rebellion.
Joab's greeting is disarmingly casual, even affectionate. He uses the term 'my brother,' a sign of closeness and trust. He even makes a gesture of intimacy, reaching out to kiss Amasa by grasping his beard. This was a common sign of deep respect and friendship.
But this was all a ploy. The friendly words and gestures were a deadly distraction. While Amasa was disarmed and potentially lowering his guard, Joab used his other hand to strike with a sword.
This wasn't just a political maneuver; it was a brutal assassination. Joab's actions reveal a deep-seated resentment and a willingness to eliminate rivals, no matter the cost.
The Cost of Rivalry
Amasa was a cousin of David and had been placed in charge of the army, a position Joab had held for years. This likely fueled Joab's insecurity and anger.
Joab's violence here is shocking. He doesn't just kill Amasa; he does so while pretending to embrace him. This makes the act incredibly treacherous and a deep wound to the kingdom's stability. David had explicitly told Amasa to gather the men within three days, indicating he was placing significant trust in him. Joab's act undermines David's authority and throws the military command into chaos.
This event highlights the destructive nature of pride, jealousy, and unforgiveness. Joab's personal ambition and perceived slight led him to commit a heinous act, fracturing relationships and demonstrating a chilling disregard for human life and divine order.
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.
me'ah · Hebrew Noun
The core of a person’s being, physically or metaphorically. In Hebrew thought, the intestines were considered the seat of emotions and the center of life and vitality.
Joab's treacherous act occurs in a politically charged atmosphere where David is trying to unify the kingdom after devastating civil wars, even appointing his rival, Amasa, to lead the army.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After years of Saul's persecution, David is anointed king, first over Judah and then, after a period of civil war, over all Israel. This marks the beginning of a united kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son Absalom incites a rebellion against his father, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. This period of turmoil deeply shakes the nation.
c. 1005 BC
Absalom's Death and Joab's Role
During the civil war, Absalom is killed by Joab, despite David's orders to spare him. This event creates deep animosity and political tension.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
Amasa Appointed Commander
Following the rebellion and Absalom's death, David appoints Amasa, Absalom's former commander, to replace Joab as the captain of his army. This is a surprising political move aimed at reconciliation.
This passage shows Joab's similar forceful tactics and desire to reassert authority, highlighting his pattern of using intimidation even when claiming peace.
Psalm 55:21The psalmist describes treacherous words spoken smoothly, just like Joab's seemingly friendly greeting, revealing the deceptive heart behind pleasant phrases.
Proverbs 26:24-26This proverb warns against those who disguise their malice with kind words and gestures, directly paralleling Joab's deadly deceitful embrace.
Matthew 26:48-49Judas also used a kiss, a sign of affection, as a signal for Jesus' betrayal, demonstrating a chilling parallel in using intimacy as a tool for treachery.
Joab's seemingly friendly greeting and gesture of taking Amasa by the beard are actually a chilling setup for treachery. The tenderness in "my brother" and the intimate act of kissing are completely undermined by the violent intent that follows, showing how deception can wear a disarming mask. This isn't just a political assassination; it's a brutal betrayal disguised as brotherhood.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing an enemy leader named Sheba. He stops his pursuit to intercept Amasa, the commander he himself had replaced, who is on his way to gather David's forces. Joab greets Amasa with a seemingly friendly gesture, but his true intentions are sinister, setting the stage for a brutal act of treachery.
Joab, David's commander, is pursuing an enemy leader named Sheba. He stops his pursuit to intercept Amasa, the commander he himself had replaced, who is on his way to gather David's forces. Joab greets Amasa with a seemingly friendly gesture, but his true intentions are sinister, setting the stage for a brutal act of treachery.
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c. 1005 BC
Sheba's Rebellion Erupts
Shortly after Absalom's rebellion is crushed, another uprising, led by Sheba son of Bichri, begins. This new revolt further destabilizes the kingdom.
"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. But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled…" — Joab's seemingly friendly greeting and gesture of taking Amasa by the beard are actually a chilling setup for treachery. The tenderness in "my brother" and the intimate act of kissing are completely…
