When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. When the news reached JoabThe phrase "When the news reached Joab" indicates a pivotal moment of realization and consequence. Joab, a seasoned military commander, is confronted with the reality of his political miscalculations. The Hebrew root for "news" (שְׁמוּעָה, shemu'ah) often implies a report or tidings that carry significant weight, suggesting that Joab's actions have caught up with him. Historically, Joab's role as a key figure in King David's reign is well-documented, and this moment marks the beginning of his downfall. The news likely refers to Solomon's consolidation of power and the execution of Adonijah, which signals a shift in the political landscape. who had conspired with Adonijah
The word "conspired" (קָשַׁר, qashar) in Hebrew conveys the idea of binding together or forming a secret alliance. Joab's alliance with Adonijah, David's son who attempted to usurp the throne, reveals his ambition and willingness to align with those he perceives as potential victors. This conspiracy is a direct challenge to the divine will, as Solomon was chosen by God to succeed David. Joab's actions reflect a recurring biblical theme of human attempts to thwart divine plans, which ultimately fail. but not with Absalom
This phrase highlights Joab's selective loyalty and strategic decision-making. Absalom, another of David's sons, previously led a rebellion against his father. Joab's choice not to support Absalom may have been influenced by his understanding of Absalom's character or the political climate at the time. This distinction underscores Joab's pragmatic approach to power, aligning himself with those he believes have the best chance of success. It also reflects the complex and often tumultuous nature of David's family dynamics. he fled to the tent of the LORD
The act of fleeing to the "tent of the LORD" signifies Joab's desperation and recognition of his precarious situation. The tent, or tabernacle, was a sacred place where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites. Seeking refuge there indicates Joab's hope for divine protection or mercy, despite his previous transgressions. This action is reminiscent of the cities of refuge in the Old Testament, where individuals could seek asylum from retribution. Joab's flight to the tent underscores the gravity of his predicament and his acknowledgment of the divine authority he had previously disregarded. and took hold of the horns of the altar
Grasping the "horns of the altar" was a symbolic act of seeking mercy and protection. The altar, central to Israelite worship, was a place of sacrifice and atonement. The horns, projecting from its corners, were considered sacred and a place of asylum for those in dire need. This act reflects Joab's understanding of the altar's significance and his hope for clemency. Biblically, the altar represents God's justice and mercy, and Joab's appeal to it highlights the tension between divine justice and human sinfulness. His action is a poignant reminder of the need for repentance and the hope for redemption through God's grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabA military commander under King David, known for his strategic prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his ruthless actions. He played a significant role in David's reign but ultimately conspired against Solomon by supporting Adonijah's claim to the throne. 2. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, who attempted to claim the throne of Israel before Solomon was anointed king. His actions led to a power struggle within the royal family. 3. AbsalomAnother son of David, who previously led a rebellion against his father. Joab did not support Absalom's rebellion, which contrasts with his later support for Adonijah. 4. The Tent of the LORDA sacred place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It symbolized God's presence among His people. Joab fled here seeking sanctuary, a common practice in ancient times for those seeking mercy or protection. 5. The AltarThe altar in the Tent of the LORD had horns on its corners, which were considered a place of refuge. Grasping the horns was a plea for mercy and protection from retribution. Teaching Points Sanctuary and MercyThe act of fleeing to the altar highlights the human need for sanctuary and mercy. In our lives, we can find refuge in God through prayer and repentance. Consequences of ConspiracyJoab's actions remind us that aligning ourselves with ungodly plans can lead to dire consequences. We must seek God's guidance in our decisions and alliances. Symbolism of the AltarThe altar represents a place of sacrifice and atonement. In the New Testament, Christ becomes our altar, offering ultimate refuge and forgiveness. Repentance and JusticeWhile Joab sought mercy, his actions required justice. This balance between mercy and justice is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding us of God's righteous nature. Leadership and LoyaltyJoab's account is a cautionary tale about loyalty and leadership. True loyalty aligns with God's will and purposes, not just personal or political gain. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Joab's flight to the altar reveal about his understanding of God's mercy and justice? 2. How does the concept of sanctuary in the Old Testament compare to the refuge we find in Christ today? 3. In what ways can we ensure our alliances and decisions align with God's will, as opposed to personal ambition? 4. How does the account of Joab and Adonijah illustrate the consequences of rebellion against God's chosen leadership? 5. Reflect on a time when you sought refuge in God during a difficult situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:14This verse discusses the concept of sanctuary and the limitations of the altar as a place of refuge, indicating that premeditated murderers could be taken from the altar for execution. 1 Kings 1:50-53Adonijah also sought refuge by grasping the horns of the altar, showing a pattern of seeking sanctuary in times of political turmoil. Psalm 118:27This verse mentions binding the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar, symbolizing dedication and seeking God's mercy. Hebrews 6:18Discusses the concept of refuge and hope, drawing a parallel to the idea of seeking sanctuary in God. 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 Absalom, Ab'salom, Absalom's, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Adonijah's, Altar, Although, Aside, Caught, Conspired, Didn't, Fled, Fleeth, Flight, Followed, Hands, Hold, Horns, Joab, Jo'ab, Layeth, News, Reached, Report, Supported, Supporters, Tabernacle, Tent, Though, Tidings, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:28 4654 horn
5817 conspiracies
7302 altar 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 2:28 NIV1 Kings 2:28 NLT1 Kings 2:28 ESV1 Kings 2:28 NASB1 Kings 2:28 KJV
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