Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Solomon

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Solomon ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of homicide, particularly felonious homicide, is addressed in various contexts, including the reign of King Solomon. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, his reign also includes instances where felonious homicide is a significant theme, particularly in the consolidation of his kingdom.

Adonijah's Death

One of the most notable instances of felonious homicide during Solomon's reign involves his half-brother Adonijah. After David's death, Adonijah, who had previously attempted to usurp the throne, requested to marry Abishag the Shunammite, David's former concubine. Solomon perceived this request as a threat to his kingship, interpreting it as a political maneuver to claim the throne. In response, Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution. The Bible records this event in 1 Kings 2:23-25 : "Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: 'May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life. And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who has established me and set me on the throne of my father David and who has made me a house as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!' So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died."

Joab's Execution

Another significant act of felonious homicide under Solomon's rule is the execution of Joab, David's former military commander. Joab had supported Adonijah's claim to the throne and was guilty of shedding innocent blood, having killed Abner and Amasa during David's reign. Solomon ordered Joab's execution to eliminate potential threats and fulfill David's dying instructions. 1 Kings 2:31-34 recounts this event: "And the king replied, 'Do as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and thus remove from me and from my father’s house the innocent blood that Joab shed. The LORD will bring back his blood upon his own head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he—Abner son of Ner, the commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, the commander of Judah’s army. Though my father David was unaware of it, their blood will come back upon the head of Joab and upon his descendants forever; but upon David and his descendants, his house and his throne, may there be peace from the LORD forever.' So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and struck down Joab, and he died. And he was buried at his own home in the wilderness."

Shimei's Death

Shimei, a member of Saul's family who had cursed David, was initially spared by Solomon under the condition that he remain in Jerusalem. However, when Shimei violated this condition by leaving the city, Solomon ordered his execution. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 2:44-46 : "The king also said to Shimei, 'You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore, the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.' Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck down Shimei, and he died."

These instances of felonious homicide during Solomon's reign highlight the complexities of maintaining power and justice in the ancient Near Eastern context. Solomon's actions, while politically motivated to secure his throne, also reflect the fulfillment of divine justice as perceived in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:23-46
Then king Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Nave's Topical Index