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1 Chronicles 11:6

Joab, Commander of David's Army

A bearded warrior charging with sword and round shield
Captain of the host

Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of David's army. Two of his brothers, Abishai and Asahel, are among the mighty men, and his name runs all through their record.

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.— 1 Chronicles 11:6 (KJV)

Commander of David's Army

Joab was "over the host" (2 Samuel 8:16). He went up first against the Jebusites and became chief (1 Chronicles 11:6). He led David's men at the siege of Rabbah (2 Samuel 11:1) and later commanded a third of the people (2 Samuel 18:2).

A Hard and Honest Record

Scripture does not polish Joab. He killed Abner (2 Samuel 3:27), and killed Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10). At the end he followed Adonijah (1 Kings 1:7), and Benaiah executed him at Solomon's command (1 Kings 2:28–34).

Joab and the Mighty Men

Abishai was "the brother of Joab" (2 Samuel 23:18), the list of the Thirty opens with "Asahel the brother of Joab" (23:24), and Nahari the Beerothite was "armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah" (23:37).

David's Mighty Men Coloring Book cover
David's Mighty Men Coloring Book

41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.

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From the Psalms

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.— Psalm 33:16 (KJV)

Questions About David's Mighty Men

Was Joab one of David's mighty men?

Joab is not given his own line in the list, but he was commander of David's army (2 Samuel 8:16), and his brothers Abishai and Asahel and his armourbearer Nahari are named among the mighty men (2 Samuel 23:18, 24, 37).

How was Joab related to David?

Joab was a son of Zeruiah, and 1 Chronicles 2:13–16 names Zeruiah among the sisters of Jesse's sons, so Joab was David's nephew.

How did Joab die?

After Joab followed Adonijah, Solomon commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck him down (1 Kings 2:28–34).

King David Bible Stories

David the Shepherd BoyKeeping his father's sheepAnointed by Samuel1 Samuel 16The Lion and the Bear1 Samuel 17:34–37David and GoliathA sling and a stoneDavid and SaulThe harp and the spearDavid and JonathanA covenant of friendsDavid Spares SaulThe LORD's anointedDavid Becomes KingHebron, then JerusalemBringing the ArkDanced with all his mightThe Psalms of DavidThe shepherd king's songsGoliath of GathSix cubits and a spanGiants in the BibleAnakim, Rephaim, Og and GathKing David Coloring PagesColor the warriors of Scripture

Explore David's Mighty Men

The Full ListAll 37 mighty men by nameThe ThreeDavid's three mightiestThe ThirtyWho were the 30 mighty men?Cave of AdullamWhere the band beganElhananTwo men, two recordsIttai the Gittite"In death or life"The GaditesFaces like lions2 Samuel 23 vs 1 Chronicles 11How the two lists compareThe Giants of GathFour sons of the giant fellFAQQuestions answered from Scripture

Meet the Mighty Men

Josheb-basshebethAdino the Eznite, chief of the ThreeEleazar son of DodoHis hand clave unto the swordShammah son of AgeeHeld the lentil fieldStory: The Water from BethlehemThree of the thirty chief break through the Philistine camp (2 Samuel 23:13–17)AbishaiChief of the Three, 300 with his spearBenaiah son of JehoiadaA lion in a pit on a snowy dayAsahelLight of foot as a wild roeUriah the HittiteLoyal to the last

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