Throughout Scripture, we find that some of the most important spiritual lessons are hidden in the lives of individuals. One such lesson is drawn from the life of Joab, David’s military commander, whose zeal for David often went far beyond David’s wishes. Joab’s life paints a striking picture of a believer who, though outwardly loyal, acts presumptuously—driven by control, insecurity, and a misplaced sense of authority.
Joab’s Zeal Without Submission
Joab was unquestionably devoted to David’s kingship. He fought David’s battles and led Israel’s armies to many victories. Yet, Joab often presumed to act on David’s behalf without David’s command — and sometimes even against David’s desires.
- 2 Samuel 3: Joab murders Abner, who had just made peace with David, jeopardizing a peaceful transition of Saul’s kingdom to David.
- 2 Samuel 18: Joab kills Absalom despite David’s explicit command to deal gently with him.
- 1 Kings 1-2: Joab sides with Adonijah against Solomon, once again inserting himself where God had already appointed another.
In each case, Joab took matters into his own hands, assuming he knew best what would protect David’s kingdom. He believed his actions were for David’s good—but they were not according to David’s word.
The Spirit of Control and Insecurity
Joab’s behavior mirrors the spirit of the controlling and insecure believer today:
- Control: Rather than trust God’s timing and ways, the controlling believer intervenes, trying to “protect” the church, the fellowship, or even the Lord’s work by human means.
- Insecurity: Beneath Joab’s actions was fear—fear of losing position, fear of instability, fear that things would fall apart without his intervention. This insecurity masqueraded as loyalty.
- Presumption: Joab presumed to know better than David, just as insecure believers presume to know better than the headship of Christ in the church.
- Outcome: Despite short-term “victories,” Joab’s controlling spirit ultimately led to his downfall (1 Kings 2:28-34).
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
Acting Without Authorization: The Danger of Presumption
Joab often took it upon himself to act in David’s name without being authorized to do so. He assumed offense on David’s behalf when no offense was commanded. He executed judgment when David had not given the word. He interpreted situations through the lens of his own fears and assumptions, not through obedience to his king.
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
Instead of waiting for David’s heart, Joab preemptively acted — believing he was protecting the kingdom, but in reality defending his own agenda and insecurity.
In the same way, controlling believers today act on imagined offenses, speak and move without authorization, and preempt the work of the Holy Spirit because they trust their own wisdom rather than the Lord’s leading.
Joab: A Warning Against Usurping the Role of the Holy Spirit
Joab often assumed the role of the Holy Spirit — deciding on his own what should be done “for the good of the kingdom.” In doing so, he preempted David’s decisions, as if he could manage outcomes better than the anointed king himself.
Likewise, controlling believers today subtly assume the role of the Holy Spirit, believing they must:
- Protect the church by their own wisdom,
- Correct every error themselves,
- Control outcomes God has not committed into their hands.
The Holy Spirit alone convicts, guides, teaches, and preserves Christ’s church (John 16:13-14).
When man takes the Spirit’s role, he ceases to be a servant and becomes an unauthorized ruler.
Speaking in Another’s Name: The Sin of Misrepresentation
Joab repeatedly acted in David’s name without David’s approval. This created confusion, misunderstanding, and misalignment between David and others (e.g., Abner, Absalom, Solomon).
Speaking in someone else’s name without their consent is manipulative. It leads to:
- Breaches of trust,
- Falsely attributed authority,
- Wounded relationships in the body of Christ.
True servants of Christ will not speak or act presumptuously in His name. They will wait for His clear leading and speak only what He says (John 12:49-50).
The Fruits of Presumption: Division and Church Splits
Joab’s spirit — zeal without submission — always leads to division.
- His murder of Abner prolonged the civil war between David’s house and Saul’s.
- His killing of Absalom deepened sorrow and strained David’s leadership.
- His siding with Adonijah risked a major kingdom split against Solomon.
Today, believers operating in Joab’s spirit often cause unnecessary divisions, factions, and even church splits — not because they intend evil, but because they act in self-trust rather than Spirit-trust.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)
God Sees and Judges in His Time
Though Joab appeared successful for many years, God saw every act of presumption. In His perfect time, God brought Joab’s deeds into the light:
- Solomon, under God’s wisdom, ultimately executed judgment against Joab (1 Kings 2:28-34).
- Joab’s secret manipulations caught up with him at last.
Likewise today:
- God sees every controlling spirit,
- Every hidden manipulation,
- Every divisive word spoken under false pretenses.
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Those who walk in humility, trust, and patience will be vindicated. Those who walk in presumption will eventually face the chastening hand of the Lord.
A Personal Reflection
Many years ago, I encountered a believer whose actions closely mirrored the spirit of Joab. At first, his advice seemed harmless — he suggested I be “accountable” directly to him. But over time, it became clear he was operating in a spirit of control, not service. Years later, he was removed from eldership after it was found he was privately controlling and managing the lives of others within the fellowship.
I share this not to accuse any individual, but to remind us all: The spirit of Joab does not start with open rebellion. It often begins disguised as “protection,” “concern,” or “accountability.”
May we be watchful. May we trust the Lord to be our true Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit to be our true Guide. May we resist the temptation to control others — yielding instead to Christ’s gentle leadership.
Reflection Questions
- Am I trusting Christ’s leadership, or trying to manage outcomes myself?
- Do I wait on God’s timing, or act preemptively based on my own assumptions?
- Am I speaking in the Lord’s name with His leading — or moving ahead of Him?
- How can I cultivate deeper humility, trust, and patience in my walk with Christ?