It was reported to King Solomon: "Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar." So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, "Go, strike him down!" It was reported to King SolomonThis phrase indicates the communication of critical information to the king, highlighting the importance of intelligence and counsel in leadership. In the Hebrew context, the role of a king was not only to rule but to uphold justice and righteousness. Solomon, known for his wisdom, relied on trusted advisors and informants to maintain order in his kingdom. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD
Joab's flight to the "tent of the LORD" signifies a desperate attempt to seek asylum. The "tent of the LORD" refers to the tabernacle, a sacred place where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. Historically, the altar was considered a place of refuge, as seen in Exodus 21:14, where it is stated that a person who kills another may flee to the altar for sanctuary. Joab's actions reveal his awareness of his guilt and his hope for divine protection, yet it also underscores the tension between justice and mercy. and is now beside the altar
Being "beside the altar" emphasizes Joab's strategic positioning for sanctuary. The altar was central to Israelite worship and sacrificial practices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. Joab's presence there is ironic, given his history of violence and betrayal. This act of seeking refuge at the altar raises questions about the limits of sanctuary and the need for justice, as the altar was not meant to shield those guilty of premeditated murder, aligning with the biblical principle that justice must be served. So Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Solomon's command to Benaiah, a loyal and valiant warrior, reflects the king's responsibility to execute justice. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was a trusted military leader, known for his bravery and loyalty to David and Solomon. His role in this narrative underscores the importance of faithful service and the execution of justice as a divine mandate. Solomon's decision to send Benaiah highlights the necessity of decisive leadership in upholding God's law. Go, strike him down!
This command is a direct and uncompromising order to execute justice. The Hebrew root for "strike down" (nakah) conveys a sense of decisive action against wrongdoing. Solomon's directive aligns with the biblical principle that those who shed innocent blood must face consequences, as seen in Genesis 9:6, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." This act serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for justice in maintaining the moral order established by God. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. JoabThe son of Zeruiah, Joab was the commander of King David's army. He was a skilled military leader but also known for his violent actions and disobedience to David's commands. 3. Benaiah son of JehoiadaA loyal supporter of Solomon, Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard. He was later appointed as the commander of the army under Solomon. 4. The Tent of the LORDThis refers to the tabernacle, a sacred place where the Israelites worshiped God before the construction of the Temple. It was considered a place of refuge and divine presence. 5. The AltarLocated within the tabernacle, the altar was used for sacrifices and was considered a holy place. Joab sought refuge here, hoping for protection from execution. Teaching Points Justice and AccountabilityGod's justice requires accountability for one's actions. Joab's past deeds, including murder, could not be overlooked, even if he sought refuge at a sacred place. Sanctity of Sacred SpacesWhile sacred spaces are important, they should not be misused as a means to escape justice. True repentance and seeking God's mercy are necessary. Leadership and Difficult DecisionsSolomon's decision to execute Joab demonstrates the difficult choices leaders must make to uphold justice and righteousness. The Role of Mercy and JudgmentBalancing mercy and judgment is crucial in leadership. Solomon's actions reflect the need to uphold God's laws while also considering the broader implications for the kingdom. The Importance of ObedienceJoab's disobedience to King David's commands ultimately led to his downfall. Obedience to God's appointed leaders is essential for maintaining order and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joab's seeking refuge at the altar reflect his understanding of justice and mercy, and what does this teach us about our own approach to seeking God's forgiveness? 2. In what ways does Solomon's decision to execute Joab demonstrate the balance between justice and mercy, and how can we apply this balance in our own lives? 3. How do Joab's past actions, as described in 2 Samuel, influence the events of 1 Kings 2:29, and what does this teach us about the consequences of our actions? 4. What role do sacred spaces play in our spiritual lives today, and how can we ensure they are used appropriately to honor God? 5. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and accountability from Solomon's reign to our own roles and responsibilities in our communities and families? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:14This verse provides the legal precedent for not granting sanctuary to a murderer, even if they seek refuge at the altar, which is relevant to Joab's situation. 1 Kings 1:50-53This passage describes Adonijah's similar attempt to seek refuge at the altar, highlighting the altar's perceived role as a place of asylum. 2 Samuel 3:27 and 2 Samuel 20:10These verses recount Joab's murders of Abner and Amasa, which are the reasons for his execution under Solomon's reign. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Altar, Attack, Behold, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Beside, Declared, Fall, Fled, Flight, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Joab, Jo'ab, Ordered, Saying, Solomon, Strike, Tabernacle, TentDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:29 7346 death penalty 1 Kings 2:28-33 7318 blood, symbol of guilt 1 Kings 2:28-34 7315 blood, basis of life Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:29 NIV1 Kings 2:29 NLT1 Kings 2:29 ESV1 Kings 2:29 NASB1 Kings 2:29 KJV
1 Kings 2:29 Commentaries
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