1:7 Joab the son of Zeruiah. Joab was the commander of the army of Israel and one of David’s longstanding supporters (2 Sam. 2:13; 8:16; 18:2; 20:10, 23). His relationship with David was strained by his harsh actions in putting down rebellions (2 Sam. 18:5; 19:5–8, 13; 1 Kin. 2:5, 6).

Abiathar the priest. He and Zadok were the two high priests appointed by David (1 Sam. 22:20–22; 2 Sam. 8:17 note).