And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, "The king says, 'Come out!'" But Joab replied, "No, I will die here." So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, "This is how Joab answered me." So Benaiah wentBenaiah, son of Jehoiada, was a loyal servant and warrior under King David and later King Solomon. His name means "Yahweh has built," reflecting his role as a divinely appointed enforcer of justice. The act of going signifies obedience and duty, as Benaiah is tasked with carrying out the king's command. Historically, Benaiah's loyalty and valor are well-documented, making him a trusted figure in the transition of power from David to Solomon. to the tent of the LORD
The tent of the LORD, or the tabernacle, was a sacred place where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. It symbolized God's presence among His people. Joab's choice to flee there indicates his awareness of the tent's sanctity and his hope for asylum. Theologically, this act raises questions about the use of sacred spaces for personal protection, reflecting on the tension between divine justice and human mercy. and said to Joab
Joab, a seasoned military commander, was a complex figure known for his strategic mind and ruthless actions. His relationship with David was fraught with tension due to his often violent methods. The direct communication from Benaiah to Joab underscores the gravity of the situation, as Joab's actions had significant political and spiritual implications for the nascent reign of Solomon. The king says, ‘Come out!’
King Solomon's command represents the exercise of royal authority and justice. The phrase "Come out!" is both a literal call to leave the sanctuary and a metaphorical call to face judgment. Solomon's reign was marked by the establishment of order and the fulfillment of David's instructions, which included dealing with those who had shed innocent blood. But Joab replied, 'No, I will die here.'
Joab's response is a declaration of defiance and resignation. His refusal to leave the sanctuary indicates his awareness of his guilt and the inevitability of his fate. The phrase "I will die here" reflects a final act of control over his destiny, choosing the place of his death. This moment is pivotal, as it highlights the themes of justice, repentance, and the consequences of a life marked by violence. So Benaiah relayed the message to the king
Benaiah's role as a messenger emphasizes the importance of communication and the chain of command in the execution of justice. His fidelity in relaying Joab's words to Solomon demonstrates the transparency and accountability expected in the king's service. This act also underscores the gravity of the situation, as the king must now decide how to proceed with Joab's defiance. saying, 'This is how Joab answered me.'
The phrase captures the finality of Joab's decision and the weight of his words. It serves as a testament to Joab's character and the culmination of his life's choices. In the broader narrative, this moment is a turning point that solidifies Solomon's authority and the establishment of his kingdom, fulfilling the divine promise to David. The passage invites reflection on the themes of justice, mercy, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. Persons / Places / Events 1. BenaiahA loyal servant of King Solomon, Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader of the king's bodyguard. He was tasked with carrying out Solomon's orders, including dealing with Joab. 2. JoabThe former commander of King David's army, Joab was a complex figure known for his military prowess and political maneuvering. He sought refuge in the tent of the LORD, seeking sanctuary from Solomon's justice. 3. The Tent of the LORDThis refers to the sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was considered a place of divine presence and sanctuary. 4. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. He was in the process of consolidating his kingdom and dealing with those who opposed his rule. 5. The EventThis passage describes the moment when Benaiah, following Solomon's orders, confronts Joab, who has taken refuge in the sacred tent, refusing to leave and accepting his fate. Teaching Points Sanctuary and JusticeThe concept of sanctuary is significant, but it does not override divine justice. Joab's attempt to use the sacred space for personal protection highlights the importance of aligning with God's justice rather than merely seeking physical refuge. Obedience to AuthorityBenaiah's role demonstrates the importance of obedience to rightful authority, even when the task is difficult. This reflects the Christian call to respect and follow godly leadership. Repentance vs. DefianceJoab's refusal to leave the tent and face Solomon's judgment illustrates the danger of defiance and the need for true repentance. Christians are called to humble themselves and seek forgiveness rather than stubbornly cling to their own ways. The Role of Sacred SpacesWhile sacred spaces are important, they are not to be misused for personal gain or protection from rightful consequences. True refuge is found in a right relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joab's response to Benaiah reflect his understanding of sanctuary and justice, and what can we learn from this about our own approach to God's justice? 2. In what ways does Benaiah's obedience to King Solomon serve as a model for Christian obedience to authority, and how can we apply this in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of seeking refuge in God, as seen in Psalm 27:5, differ from Joab's attempt to find sanctuary in the tent of the LORD? 4. What are the dangers of using sacred spaces or religious practices as a means of avoiding true repentance, and how can we ensure our faith is genuine? 5. How can we balance the respect for sacred spaces with the understanding that true refuge and protection come from a right relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:14This verse discusses the concept of sanctuary and the limitations of the altar as a place of refuge for those guilty of premeditated murder, which relates to Joab's situation. 1 Kings 1:50-53These verses describe Adonijah's similar attempt to seek refuge at the altar, highlighting the recurring theme of seeking sanctuary in times of political turmoil. Psalm 27:5This psalm speaks of God providing shelter in times of trouble, which contrasts with Joab's attempt to find physical refuge rather than spiritual repentance. 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 Benaiah, Benai'ah, Bringeth, Commands, Death, Die, Entered, Forth, Joab, Jo'ab, Nay, Reported, Saying, Says, Spake, Spoke, Tabernacle, Tent, Thus, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 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 2:30 NIV1 Kings 2:30 NLT1 Kings 2:30 ESV1 Kings 2:30 NASB1 Kings 2:30 KJV
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