Possible Duplicate:
Is David the Godfather?
Joab was a loyal captain in charge for King David and he won lot of battles for his king. He had also risked his life in many occasions for the sake of Kingdom of Israel and David. (2nd Samuel 2, 10-12)
He did make some mistakes, however:
- He killed Abner who came to reconcile with David. Joab might have felt threatened by this reconciliation. (2nd Samuel 3:26-30)
- He killed Amasa who was made captain by David. (2nd Samuel 20)
- He killed Absalom for whom David had given specific instructions not harm him in any ways. (2nd Samuel 18)
Why did David not forgive the mistakes of Joab? After all, wasn't he the man after God's own heart:
But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.—1st Samuel 13:14 (ESV)
I still don't feel that Joab should have been punished and given death sentence for his mistakes.