How does Solomon's decision align with God's justice as seen in Scripture? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 2 records Solomon’s first acts as king. Verse 35 states, “Then the king put Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army in his place and appointed Zadok the priest in place of Abiathar.” Two key offices change hands: • Joab—long-time commander—has been executed for bloodguilt. • Abiathar—last priest from Eli’s line—is exiled from the priesthood. Why Joab and Abiathar Had to Go • Joab’s crimes – 2 Samuel 3:28-29: murdered Abner. – 2 Samuel 20:10: murdered Amasa. – Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12; Deuteronomy 19:11-13: deliberate murder demands life-for-life justice. • Abiathar’s disloyalty – 1 Kings 1:7: sided with Adonijah’s rebellion. – 1 Samuel 2:30-33: God had foretold the fall of Eli’s priestly house; Abiathar is Eli’s descendant. Theological Threads of Divine Justice • God’s justice is retributive—evil deeds reap due penalty. (Proverbs 11:21) • God’s justice is covenantal—He keeps promises, both blessings and judgments. (Deuteronomy 7:9-10) • God’s justice is restorative—removing unrighteous leaders clears the way for righteousness to flourish. (Proverbs 29:2) Prophecy Fulfilled in Abiathar’s Removal • 1 Samuel 2:31-33, 35: “Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength… and all the descendants of your house will die in the prime of life… I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest.” • 1 Kings 2:27 explains Solomon’s action: “So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD, fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli.” • Replacing Abiathar with Zadok completes God’s declared judgment and upholds His Word without fail. Bloodguilt Avenged in Joab’s Execution • David’s charge: 1 Kings 2:31-33 describes Joab’s murders as “innocent blood.” • Numbers 35:33 warns that unavenged blood “defiles the land.” • By ordering Joab’s death and installing Benaiah—known for integrity (2 Samuel 23:20-23)—Solomon removes defilement from Israel, aligning with God’s demand that bloodguilt be purged. God’s Pattern of Raising Faithful Servants • Benaiah and Zadok are noted for loyalty and courage (1 Chronicles 12:27-28; 2 Samuel 23:20). • Their promotions echo God’s pattern: – Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:41). – Joshua after Moses (Numbers 27:18-23). – Elisha after Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-15). • The principle: “He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21) Lessons for Today • God’s justice is consistent—what He promised centuries earlier to Eli is still carried out. • Leadership matters—righteous leaders protect and bless God’s people; unrighteous leaders bring harm. • Sin’s consequences are unavoidable—Joab and Abiathar’s earlier choices come home to roost under Solomon’s reign. • God’s Word never fails—every prophecy, command, and principle is sure, inviting trust and obedience. |
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