Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me--what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. Moreover, you knowThis phrase indicates a shared understanding or common knowledge between David and Solomon. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate or experiential knowledge. David is reminding Solomon of events that are well-known and significant, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me
Joab, a prominent military leader, was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister. His actions were personal to David, indicating betrayal and disobedience. Joab's deeds were not just political maneuvers but personal affronts to David's authority and moral code. This highlights the complexity of leadership and the challenges of dealing with close associates who act treacherously. what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s armies
The mention of "two commanders" underscores the gravity of Joab's actions. Abner and Amasa were not just any men; they were leaders of Israel's military forces. This betrayal was not only against David but against the nation of Israel, reflecting the broader implications of personal vendettas on national stability. Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether
Abner and Amasa were significant figures in Israel's history. Abner was initially a supporter of Saul and later sought to unite the kingdom under David. Amasa was appointed by David to replace Joab. Their murders by Joab were politically motivated, reflecting the turbulent and often violent nature of ancient Near Eastern politics. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle
This phrase highlights the treachery of Joab's actions. The Hebrew word for "shed" is "shaphak," often used in the context of blood guilt. Joab's killings were not acts of war but of murder, violating the sanctity of peace. This underscores the moral and ethical standards expected of leaders and the severe consequences of violating them. and with that blood he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet
The imagery of blood-stained garments symbolizes guilt and defilement. In ancient Israel, clothing often represented one's status and character. Joab's stained belt and sandals signify the indelible mark of his treachery and the lasting impact of his actions. This serves as a warning of the enduring consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity and righteousness in leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who is giving final instructions to his son Solomon. He is reflecting on past events and advising Solomon on how to deal with certain individuals. 2. Joab son of ZeruiahThe commander of David's army, known for his military prowess but also for his ruthless actions, including the murders of Abner and Amasa. 3. Abner son of NerThe commander of Saul's army who later supported David. He was killed by Joab under the guise of a peaceful meeting. 4. Amasa son of JetherAppointed by David as commander of the army in place of Joab. He was also killed by Joab, who saw him as a rival. 5. SolomonThe son of David, who is being instructed on how to establish his kingdom and deal with those who have wronged David. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unchecked SinJoab's actions demonstrate how unchecked sin and personal vendettas can lead to destructive outcomes. Believers are reminded to address sin in their lives before it leads to greater harm. The Importance of JusticeDavid's instructions to Solomon emphasize the need for justice and accountability. Christians are called to uphold justice in their communities and personal lives. Leadership and IntegritySolomon's task to deal with Joab highlights the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership. Leaders are encouraged to make decisions that align with God's principles. The Legacy We LeaveDavid's reflection on Joab's actions serves as a reminder that our actions leave a legacy. Believers are encouraged to live in a way that honors God and positively impacts others. Bible Study Questions 1. How do Joab's actions reflect the dangers of taking justice into our own hands, and how can we apply Romans 12:19 in our lives today? 2. In what ways does David's instruction to Solomon about Joab demonstrate the importance of justice and accountability in leadership? 3. How can the account of Joab, Abner, and Amasa inform our understanding of the consequences of harboring bitterness and seeking revenge? 4. What lessons can we learn from David's approach to dealing with past wrongs as he prepares Solomon to lead? 5. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions leave a positive legacy for future generations, in light of the examples set by David and Joab? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 3:27This passage describes the murder of Abner by Joab, providing context to David's instructions to Solomon. 2 Samuel 20:10Details the murder of Amasa by Joab, further illustrating Joab's violent actions and disregard for David's authority. Exodus 20:13The commandment "You shall not murder" highlights the gravity of Joab's actions in the eyes of the law and God. Romans 12:19This verse speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with Joab's personal vendettas. 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 Abner, Amasa, Ama'sa, Armies, Army, Avenging, Band, Battle, Belt, Blood, Captains, Cause, Clothing, Commanders, Dealt, Death, Girdle, Hast, Heads, Hosts, Innocent, Israel's, Jether, Joab, Jo'ab, Killed, Loins, Maketh, Making, Moreover, Murdered, Ner, Payment, Peace, Peacetime, Putteth, Putting, Red, Sandals, Sash, Shed, Shedding, Shoes, Slayeth, Slew, Stained, Taking, Waist, War, Zeruiah, Zeru'iahDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:5 5131 belt
5179 sandal 1 Kings 2:1-12 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 2:5-6 6702 peace, destruction
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 2:5 NIV1 Kings 2:5 NLT1 Kings 2:5 ESV1 Kings 2:5 NASB1 Kings 2:5 KJV
1 Kings 2:5 Commentaries
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