Far be it from me. — Joab strongly disclaims the idea of any further harm to any one than the necessary destruction of the rebel Sheba. 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.” — Speaker’s Commentary.
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.