Daily Devotional

“Now David said, ‘Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.’ And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first and became chief” (1 Chronicles 11:6). 

Did you ever strike up a friendship that you later came to regret? It’s probably happened at least once in all our lives. David’s friendship with Joab and his reliance on this warrior might fall into that category.

There was a family connection: Joab was David’s nephew—the son of  his sister Zeruiah. After defeating Saul’s troops at the battle of Gibeon, and the battle was over, he secretly and cowardly killed Saul’s commander Abner because Abner had killed his brother Asahel during battle. David was displeased and cursed Joab’s house over the incident, but later David promoted Joab after the successful siege of Jerusalem drove out the Jebusites. 

Joab was deceitful in his dealings—killing Abner against David’s wishes was one example—and eventually that treachery might have influenced David, who asked Joab to send Uriah the Hittite to the front lines so Uriah might die in battle and David could marry Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. 

David’s sins regarding Bathsheba are well-known, as is the tragedy David’s actions caused. But Joab could have taken a different course and counselled David not to have Uriah killed. That he didn’t speaks to Joab’s own willingness to cut corners rather than stand for principle. 

This is what so often happens in social friendships and even business partnerships. You might want to do the “right thing” in a given situation, but a less-faithful friend will urge you to cut corners or do something expedient. When consequences follow, that “friend” is often nowhere to be found. 

It’s vital to exercise care when selecting your friends—and when being a friend. Encourage those around you to seek the highest path, the most honest way. And stay true to God even when those closest to you suggest a more self-oriented approach. 

O God, guard my heart and guide my steps as a friend to others, that I may always stand with You and Your truth.