Was David a good man ruined by the negative influence of the evil villain Joab or was David himself the villain who cast his dark shadow wrongfully over Joab? The depth and complexity of David’s character is more clearly observed and appreciated through this careful reading of the texts describing Joab as his foil. This book provides a wealth of information regarding character studies, a new perspective on David, and a groundbreaking study of Joab. Courses in biblical studies, especially literary or historical, will find this text most helpful.