Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
When Adam listened to Eve, instead of God, he also bowed down to his wife, and the rest is history, for his single act of bowing down, set in motion a train of circumstances that went on to produce billions of other bowers. When against the plain command of The Lord, Joab did what David asked, by causing Uriah to be slain, and by lying when he did so, he also bowed down to David, and later on he repeated the very same error by numbering the people against the revealed will of God.
Joab obeyed David because of the philosophical concept that he held, that those who serve in any government are to yield implicit obedience to the dear leader, even if he or she directs you to do the very thing God has proscribed. Thus, it becomes a form of bowing down, for it is a flawed philosophy.
When Joab sent his befuddled narrative of Uriah’s demise in the battle to David, he bowed again for he was complicit in a crime, of which he knew better than to cover for David. And, he most likely will be lost eternally, for it seems as if he never gained the victory over bowing down. When kings instruct their officials, and those under their employ, to tell blatant lies, if the subordinates acquiesce to the boss’ request they will be bowing down, because bearing false witness is forbidden in the Scriptures.
1st Chronicles 21:3 And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? 4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
ay God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!