Joab

Joab (meaning: paternity; voluntary), son of Zeruiah and nephew of David, served as the commander-in-chief of David's armies throughout most of his reign. Militarily brilliant and fiercely loyal to David's throne, he led Israel's forces in campaigns against the Ammonites, Syrians, Edomites, and the rebel forces of Absalom. Yet Joab was also capable of ruthless self-interest: he murdered Abner treacherously to avenge his brother Asahel, killed Absalom against David's explicit orders, and later assassinated Amasa.

His support of Adonijah over Solomon sealed his fate; Solomon had him executed at the altar of the tabernacle following David's deathbed instruction. Joab stands in Scripture as a man of extraordinary ability whose violence and ambition ultimately undid him.