# Joab ## Facts: Joab was an important military leader for King David throughout David's entire reign. * Before David became king, Joab had already been one of his loyal followers. * Later, during David's reign as king over Israel, Joab became the commander of King David's army. * Joab was also King David's nephew, since his mother was one of David's sisters. * When David's son Absalom betrayed him by trying to take over his kingship, Joab killed Absalom in order to protect the king. * Joab was a very aggressive fighter and killed many people who were enemies of Israel. (See also: [Absalom](../names/absalom.md), [David](../names/david.md)) ## Bible References: * [1 Chronicles 02:16-17](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/02/16) * [1 Kings 01:07](rc://en/tn/help/1ki/01/07) * [1 Samuel 26:6-8](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/26/06) * [2 Samuel 02:18](rc://en/tn/help/2sa/02/18) * [Nehemiah 07:11](rc://en/tn/help/neh/07/11) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H3097 ## Forms Found in the English ULB: Joab, Joab's