How does 1 Kings 2:32 connect with the concept of justice in Deuteronomy 32:35? Setting the Scene - Joab murdered Abner (2 Samuel 3:27) and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10) in cold blood. - Years later, Solomon declares, “The LORD will bring his blood upon his own head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he” (1 Kings 2:32). - The king is not taking private revenge; he is invoking divine justice. Deuteronomy 32:35—God’s Justice Charter “Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; in due time their foot will slip, for the day of their disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” Key notes: • Authority: God alone owns vengeance. • Timing: It comes “in due time.” • Certainty: Judgment is inevitable. How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Divine prerogative affirmed • Moses records it; Solomon relies on it. • The same Lord who spoke in Deuteronomy now acts in Israel’s courts. 2. From principle to case law • Deuteronomy 32:35 supplies the rule. • 1 Kings 2:32 supplies the real-life enforcement. 3. Blood-guilt answered • Deuteronomy 21:8–9 warns bloodshed pollutes the land. • Solomon purges that guilt so the kingdom remains clean. 4. Delayed yet exact • Joab evaded punishment for years; still his “foot slips” right on schedule. • God’s patience (2 Peter 3:9) never cancels His justice. 5. Righteous rule secured • “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil” (Proverbs 16:6). • By honoring God’s vengeance, Solomon stabilizes his throne. Supporting Echoes - Psalm 94:1 – “O LORD, God of vengeance, shine forth!” - Romans 12:19 & Hebrews 10:30 quote Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind believers to leave payback to God. - Proverbs 21:12 – God “overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.” Take-home Truths - No crime slips past the Judge of all the earth. - Human authority is accountable to execute justice as God prescribes, never as private vendetta. - When wrongs seem unanswered, Deuteronomy 32:35 guarantees an appointment; 1 Kings 2:32 proves God keeps it. |
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