Now Joab ... - This is by no means a meaningless repetition. Joab had been dismissed to make room for Amasa and was now, as the result of hi…

Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel
Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been neve…

Here is the state of David's court, after his restoration. It is well when able men are appointed to discharge public duties; let all seek to perfo…