The Shadow of Shame: Joab, David, and the Weight of Kingship

We readily celebrate David, the shepherd boy who felled Goliath, the psalmist whose words resonate through millennia, the righteous king after whose heart the Lord desired to dwell. But the path to that kingship was paved with political maneuvering, familial conflict, and, crucially, the shadow of shame cast upon those who opposed him. Kerry’s analysis in the recent Scriptures Real podcast shortcast, focusing on David’s early reign, cuts through the romanticized narrative to reveal the gritty reality of power and its attendant consequences.

The naming – or rather, the denial of a name – to Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, speaks volumes. To be stripped of one's identity, to be branded “man of shame” by those writing history, is a profound act of dehumanization. As Kerry rightly observes, this wasn't a matter of simple courtesy, but a deliberate strategy by those serving the kings of Judah, ensuring David’s unchallenged claim. This echoes the prophetic warnings against manipulating history to serve a present agenda – a temptation as old as the Tower of Babel itself (Genesis 11).

The division of the kingdom – David ruling over Judah while Ish-bosheth held sway over the northern tribes – highlights the fragility of unity and the insidious nature of tribalism. It’s a stark reminder that even a divinely appointed leader can face resistance and division, even when those divisions are rooted in historical grievances and political ambition. Consider the parallels to our own time, where seemingly insurmountable walls of division are erected between families, communities, and nations.

But the most compelling aspect of Kerry’s discussion revolves around Joab. He is the quintessential instrument of power – effective, ruthless, and ultimately, beyond even David’s direct control. Joab is a sword in David’s hand, capable of both decisive victory and devastating error. His actions, though often contributing to David’s success, also sowed seeds of future turmoil, a testament to the dangers of relying on worldly strength rather than relying solely on the Lord. The prophet Isaiah foretold of rulers who would rise by the sword and fall by the sword (Isaiah 9:15).

David's struggle to rein in Joab serves as a cautionary tale for all those who are called to leadership. Power, even when wielded in the service of righteousness, carries a corrupting influence. The priesthood, the authority to act in God's name, demands not only strength but also unwavering humility and a constant reliance on the Spirit. D&C 121:37 reminds us: “Verily I say unto you, through humility and the love of God ye are made strong.”

The seven years and six months of David’s rule over Judah, a seemingly insignificant detail, becomes symbolic of this period of precariousness and divided allegiance. It underscores the importance of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. The Lord’s timing is not always our timing; His plan unfolds even when we cannot see the full picture.

Let us reflect on the lessons of David's early reign. How do we navigate the complexities of power and influence in our own lives? How do we resist the temptation to compromise our integrity for the sake of expediency? And how do we cultivate humility and reliance on the Lord, even when we are called to positions of responsibility?