There is one member of David’s inner circle who is not happy about the move toward unity (3:22–27). David’s nephew, Joab, his top military commander, tries to convince David that Abner has come as a spy and that he cannot be trusted. In all likelihood, Joab feared that if the merger took place, he might lose his job to Abner. Joab has also never forgiven Abner for killing his brother Asahel during the Battle of Gibeon years before (2:23). Since Abner has not traveled very far from Hebron, Joab uses an excuse to bring him back secretly and then stabs him to death. Although Joab justifies his action on the basis of blood revenge, David’s reaction to Abner’s death exposes Joab’s treachery. Abner killed Asahel only after repeated warnings and as a last resort to save his own life. Moreover, i…