David's jealous general who murdered all his rivals and David's rebellious son Absalom

• A. Abner
• B. Nathan
• C. Joab
• D. Mephibosheth

Answer: (C)

Joab fits this description because he was David’s chief general known for taking extreme measures to protect David’s kingship. He did not hesitate to remove threats from within the ranks, including killing Abner, Saul’s former general, to eliminate a rival and consolidate power. Later, during David’s reign, he killed Absalom, David’s rebellious son, in the clash that decided the rebellion. He also silenced other rivals like Amasa when needed to secure David’s position. Among the options, the other figures don’t match this combined pattern: Abner was the rival general who was killed by Joab, Nathan is the prophet who confronted David, and Mephibosheth is Jonathan’s disabled son whom David showed mercy to. The description points to Joab.