The Humility of Joab or the Sharpie? (2 Samuel 12:26-31)

The end of chapter 12 abruptly transitions to a quick account of the humility of Joab. Joab is David's right hand man. He's the 4-star general of the Israeli armies. He's been extremely successful in his military campaigns. And it would be easy for Joab to let that go to his head. It wouldn't be the first time a military general started a coup against the king or president. The temptation could be overwhelming considering David's recent struggles. We don't know much about Joab's relationship to God, but if it is any way reflective of how he deals with King David, I'd say he was in good shape.

Joab and his army went up against the city of Rammah of the Ammonites, an enemy and thorn in the side of Israel. (remember how the Israelites failed to completely wipe out certain peoples in Canaan when they first entered the Promise Land?) Joab was successful in capturing the guards of the water supply to the city and besieged it. Without water and no way to go to and from their city, the Ammonites were eventually going to be weakened and overtaken. While the armies of Israel waited for the fighting men within the city walls to weaken from hunger and thirst, Joab sends a messenger to David. The messenger tells David the good news and extends Joab's offer for David to come out to battle to get the credit and glory of victory.

It would have been easy for Joab to finish the job and ride home the conqueror receiving the praises of his people. The credit for such a victory would only solidify his own power base and diminish David's. Of course, we know if Joab had tried a coup he would have been squashed because God would not allow David to lose His throne. But the point is Joab resisted the temptation to "take the glory lap" and allowed David to get the credit.

In today's society of me, myself, and I, it's refreshing to read this short account of Joab. How often do we see football players when they score a touchdown pound their chest or perform some dramatic gesture that serves to bring attention upon that player instead of the team? I mean, grabbing a sharpie pen and autographing a football after a touchdown in the end zone? C'mon! Or what about the way we act at work? Do we insist on credit and praise as our primary objective? Can we find some satisfaction in letting someone else get the spotlight for a change, even if behind the curtain, it was you doing the work? It's hard to do. But it builds humility and tears down pride. I need to try it sometime. Actually, I need to practice it.