Joab’s character is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful. No life is safe that stands in his way, but from policy he never sacrifices the most insignificant life without a purpose. (Compare 2 Samuel 2:27-30.)
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 20:20
2 Samuel 20:20
20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.