«The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin » (Proverbs 10:16).
WORK
Joab was one of the most important men in King David’s court. From his youth he showed ability, leadership and bravery in Israel’s army. In addition, he was very loyal to David. That’s how the Hebrew monarch appointed him as general of the armed forces. Joab became extremely powerful. However, the Bible story lets us see that he was actually a politician who had no qualms when trying to keep his position and personal privileges. To make matters worse, he had information that would compromise the king, guaranteeing his position. Yes, perhaps he had carefully kept that letter written by David, instructing him to get rid of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. Can you imagine? He didn’t even have to talk about it. He could do or not do whatever he pleased. He knew the king wouldn’t fire him.
The army general had woven a spider web of schemes to protect his job. And when someone seemed to have threatened his position, he had no qualms about destroying him, as in the case of Abner and Amasa, both cowardly murdered by Joab. But David no longer had the authority to stop him. Joab had so much power he didn’t even follow orders the king gave in public, as in the case of respecting his son’s life, during Absalom’s rebellion. He even got to the point of organizing the king’s succession by openly supporting Adonijah, one of David’s sons. In that way he accelerated Solomon’s arrival to the throne. Once more, Joab didn’t receive any type of sanction.
David helplessly watched Joab. But before dying, the king asked Solomon the following, «Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. Therefore, do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace» (1 Kings 2:5, 6). And that’s what happened. One of Solomon’s first actions as king was to order Joab’s death.
Scheming, gossiping and having secret information are not ways to keep a job. The fact that it temporarily works for some doesn’t mean it’s the way to follow. Sooner or later they will end up like Joab. A job well done is the best letter of recommendation.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
