How can we apply Joab's story to our understanding of repentance today? A sober scene at the altar “When the news reached Joab, for Joab had supported Adonijah but not Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar.” (1 Kings 2:28) Joab, seasoned commander and one-time hero of Israel, is now a fugitive. His grasp on the altar’s horns seems like a last-minute bid for immunity rather than a genuine turning of the heart. Joab’s backstory: courage mixed with compromise • Brilliant strategist for David (2 Samuel 10). • Cold-blooded assassin of Abner (2 Samuel 3:27) and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10). • Defier of David’s command by numbering the troops (1 Chronicles 21:1–6). • Final act of rebellion: backing Adonijah’s coup against Solomon (1 Kings 1:7). Years of unchecked sin harden him. By 1 Kings 2 he relies on ritual shelter instead of sincere repentance. The difference between remorse and repentance 1. Remorse feels sorry; repentance changes direction (Acts 3:19). 2. Remorse hides at the altar; repentance bows before the God of the altar (Luke 18:13). 3. Remorse fears consequences; repentance grieves over offending a holy God (Psalm 51:4). 4. Remorse clings to symbols; repentance casts oneself on mercy (1 John 1:9). Joab’s silence, his lack of confession, and his refusal to leave the tent expose remorse without repentance. The Law itself barred refuge for willful murderers—even at the altar (Exodus 21:14). Justice fell, and Joab died there (1 Kings 2:34). Scripture’s portrait of genuine repentance • Broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). • Godly sorrow producing salvation without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). • Confession and forsaking of sin leading to mercy (Proverbs 28:13). • Turning from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). Practical takeaways for today • Sin cannot be outrun by grabbing religious trappings; it must be confessed and forsaken. • Delayed obedience grows into hardened resistance (Hebrews 3:13). Deal early with compromise. • True refuge is not an object or ritual but the Lord Himself (Psalm 46:1). • God stands ready to forgive the repentant; but clinging to sin while hiding behind religion invites judgment (Matthew 7:21–23). • Like Joab, every life will eventually face God’s unerring justice (Hebrews 9:27). Turn before that day. Christ, the better altar The altar Joab seized could not save a stubborn heart, yet Jesus offers open access by His blood: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19–22). Repentance today means abandoning every Joab-like excuse, running not to ritual but to the risen Savior whose mercy is sure for every contrite heart. |
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