Yoav ben Tzeruya

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1. Murdering with Guile

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   To which murderer is the Torah referring when it states “you shall take him from My altar to die”? Chazal’s interpretation included only one who murders intentionally with premeditation, as opposed to one who murders accidentally. The verses, however, include a third type of murderer who is a composite of the first two types. He murders intentionally, but pretends to have done so unknowingly. It is concerning this murderer that the Torah commands that he be removed from the place of his refuge, from the 'altar,' and put to death. Examples exist throughout the biblical text, from Cain who murders Hevel, through Yoav ben Tzeruya’s murder of Avner, Amasa and Uriya, to Yishmael ben Netanya who murders Gedaliya ben Achikam.

2. The Battle by the Pool in Giv'on (Part I)

   Chapter 2 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   The battle at the pool in Givon between Avner ben Ner's men and those of Yoav ben Zeruya, ends with the defeat of Avner, but Yoav also suffers losses. Who is responsible for the bloodshed? And what was the purpose of the battle in Givon?

3. The Battle by the Pool in Giv'on (Part II) - The Sons of David in Hebron

   Chapter 2 (III) Chapter 3 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   This lesson will complete our study of the battle at the pool in Givon, and examine what could be derived from the story about Asael and Avner. We will also discuss the list of David's sons, born in Hebron, and examine the riddle of Kilav's disappearance from the battles of inheritance in the house of David.

4. Yoav Kills Avner

   Chapter 3 (III)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Avner's attempt to unify the kingdom fails when he is killed by Yoav. What is the attitude projected by the narrative toward this episode? How does David react?

5. The Two Wars Against Ammon and Aram

   Chapter 10 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   After the humiliation of David's delegation, David and Yoav go to war against Ammon and their ally, Aram. What differentiates between the two wars? And how do the events in this chapter relate to the story of David and Bat Sheva?

6. David and Bat-Sheva (Part II)

   Chapter 11

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   This lesson will continue to explore the story of David and Bat Sheva, and David sending Uriah the Hittite to his death. Did Yoav perform David's command as he was commanded? Was he loyal to David? And what is David's single credit in the story?

7. The Woman from Tekoa

   Chapter 14 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   The parable of the woman from Tekoa leads David to return Avshalom to Jerusalem. This lesson will examine the rhetorical elements used by the Tekoite woman to reinforce her words, and discuss the vague statement she made after receiving David’s approval. Does the meaning of the parable correlate with the parable?

8. The Death of Avshalom

   Chapter 18 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   David embarks on the final battle against Avshalom full of trepidation about his son’s future. How does the text critique David? How was Avshalom put to death, and why specifically in this way?

9. David's Reaction to Avshalom's Death

   Chapter 19 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   David mourns Avshalom in a manner that is unprecedented in the biblical text, and Yoav ben Zeruya reprimands him for his behavior.

10. The Return of Shim'i and Tziva

    Chapter 19 (II)

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    On his way back to Jerusalem, David meets Shimi ben Gera, who begs David for his life. Does David really forgive his evil behavior? If so, why?

11. The Rebellion of Sheva Ben Bikhri (continuation)

    Chapter 20 (II)

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    David send Amasa ben Yeter, his new General, to suppress the uprising of Sheva ben Bikhri, but Amasa fails in his mission to enlist David’s supporters. What are the reasons for his failure? Did Yoav do the right thing when he killed him?

12. The Conclusion of Sheva Ben Bikhri's Rebellion

    Chapter 20 (III)

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    The uprising of Sheva ben Bikhri was overpowered thanks to the wisdom of the woman from Avel Mehola. How was her wisdom expressed? What connects her to two other biblical wise women – the woman from Tekoa, and the woman from Tevetz?

13. Between War and Peace

    Rabbi Alex Israel

    Yoav's murders of Avner and Amassa exhibit the simple act of dishonor to the king, and also jeopardize the prospect of national peace and unity. Yoav's bloody ways characterize the reign of David but are not appropriate for the peaceful reign of Shlomo.

    Shimi Ben Gera's venture to "Akhish ben Ma'akha, King of Gat" may be hinting that this is a venture of political maneuvering on Shimi's part, an appointment with a rival king and not a simple return of slaves. 

    The description in Divrei HaYamim of the transition between David and Shlomo is formal, regal, ceremonial, public, and sedate in contrast to the description in Melakhim.