What the Bible Says About Revenge: Joab Kills Abner – A 2 Samuel Bible Lesson
“Revenge is a very, very, very dangerous motivation.” – Willem Dafoe as Clark in Clear and Present Danger (1994)
I’ve always loved the movies. Growing up going to the Midway and Parr Theaters, I got lost in stories of comedy, drama, war, and music. Maybe you did too!
But today’s Bible reading isn’t fiction—it’s a powerful and tragic example of how revenge can lead to destruction. The moment when Joab kills Abner isn’t just a violent scene from ancient history. It’s a lesson on how unchecked anger can overtake faith.
Let’s take a closer look at this dramatic passage from 2 Samuel, and see how it speaks to our lives today.
Joab Kills Abner – A Warning About Revenge
“And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought a large amount of plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, since he had let him go, and he had gone in peace.
When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they informed Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go on his way, and he has gone in peace.”
Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you let him go, so that he is already gone?
You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to gain your confidence, and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out everything that you are doing.”
Joab Murders Abner
When Joab left David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know about it.
So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly, so that he died on account of the blood of his brother Asahel.
Afterward, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the Lord forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
May it turn upon the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not be eliminated from the house of Joab someone who suffers a discharge, or has leprosy, or holds the spindle, or falls by the sword, or lacks bread.”
So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.”
– 2 Samuel 3:22-30 (NASB)
Joab’s Choice: Revenge Over Righteousness
Yes, Abner did kill Joab’s brother Asahel—as recorded in 2 Samuel 2:18-32. But there’s more to the story. Abner acted in self-defense. He even tried to avoid the fight, warning Asahel to turn back.
Still, Joab let hatred and pride fester. Instead of trusting God’s promise in Romans 12:19—“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord”—Joab took matters into his own hands.
And that’s the problem with revenge: it feels personal, but it separates us from God’s healing justice.
From Hurt to Healing: What the Bible Says About Revenge
Let’s be honest—most of us have been hurt. Betrayed. Lied to. It’s human to feel angry when we’ve been wronged.
But revenge? That’s not the answer.
- Jesus said that even thinking hateful thoughts can be a sin (Matthew 5:22).
- Revenge might feel satisfying for a moment, but it leads to destruction—just like it did for Joab.
- God offers something far more powerful: forgiveness, and a path to healing through Christ.
If you’re wrestling with anger or resentment today, pause and pray. Let God handle the justice, and ask for His peace to fill your heart. That’s the healing power of Christ.
Pray for a Forgiving Spirit
When we pray for forgiveness, we’re not just asking for help letting go—we’re inviting God into the healing process.
So if someone hurt you, bring it to God. Ask Him to help you forgive, even when it’s hard. Ask Him to heal what’s broken inside.
And remember, the Bible says that forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven. That’s how we stop the cycle of revenge.
When You Pray, Be Prepared
One final thought: when you pray about justice, healing, or even missions, be ready—God may choose you to be part of the answer.
Whether you’re called to teach, serve, or share your story, don’t let fear or anger hold you back. God has better plans than revenge. He has a mission—and you might be part of it.
Let’s choose forgiveness over fury, and healing over hate.
In Christ,
Bob
I hope you were inspired by this message about Abner & Joab. Also, take time to look at some favorite Christian verses from the New Testament before leaving. If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16 here.