The answer is: Three

2 Sam 18:14 - David had instructed that Absalom not be hurt, but Joab ignored David's wishes.

In the tragic saga of Absalom and Joab, we find a vivid picture of loyalty and betrayal intermingled with a father’s love. While Joab thrust three rods through Absalom's heart, it’s essential to ponder the layers of emotion and conflict in this scene. David had expressed a wish for Absalom’s safety despite the fractured relationship they had; his heart was still plagued by love for his son, who had tried to usurp the throne. Joab's lethal actions symbolized a stark contrast—a soldier dutifully carrying out what he believed to be necessary instead of honoring the king’s command.

Joab was not just ignoring David’s instructions; he felt the weight of a looming threat that Absalom possessed. After all, Absalom had made a spectacular attempt to seize power, seeking to undermine David in the process. In this moment, the complexity of loyalty unfolds: Joab cared for David, but he must have been torn with guilt considering the father’s feelings towards his son.

Intriguingly, “three” suggests more than just the number of thrusts—it can echo themes established throughout the Bible, like Peter’s three denials or the trinity. It brings a sense of finality to Absalom’s rebellion. Historically, this marked a point in the rupture of David’s household which caused rippling effects with leadership challenges for generations to come. This story of love, conflict, and consequence reminds us that even amidst deep ties, interpretations of loyalty can lead to devastating outcomes.