1 Kings 2:28

Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Then tidings {H8052} came {H935} to Joab {H3097}: for Joab {H3097} had turned {H5186} after {H310} Adonijah {H138}, though he turned {H5186} not after {H310} Absalom {H53}. And Joab {H3097} fled {H5127} unto the tabernacle {H168} of the LORD {H3068}, and caught hold {H2388} on the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196}.

When the news came to Yo'av, he fled to the tent of ADONAI and took hold of the horns of the altar; for Yo'av had given his support to Adoniyah, even though he had not supported Avshalom.

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.

And the tidings came to Joab; for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the Tent of Jehovah, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Commentary

1 Kings 2:28 marks a critical moment in the consolidation of King Solomon's reign, detailing the desperate act of Joab, David's former army commander, as he faces the consequences of his past allegiances.

Context

Following the death of King David, his son Solomon ascends to the throne. Solomon begins to systematically deal with those who had opposed his legitimate succession, particularly Adonijah, another of David's sons, who had attempted to usurp the throne. Joab, a powerful and often ruthless military leader who had served David for many years, had sided with Adonijah in this power struggle. This verse highlights Joab's awareness of his impending doom, contrasting his loyalty during Absalom's earlier rebellion against David with his disloyalty towards Solomon.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disloyalty: Joab's decision to support Adonijah, rather than Solomon, directly leads to his perilous situation. This underscores the biblical principle that choices, especially those involving loyalty and authority, have significant repercussions.
  • Royal Justice and Authority: King Solomon is seen exercising his newly established royal authority, ensuring stability and punishing those who threatened the kingdom's peace and his divinely appointed rule. His actions reflect the ancient Near Eastern practice of a new monarch consolidating power by removing potential threats.
  • Limits of Sanctuary: Joab's flight to the tabernacle and grasping the horns of the altar represents a desperate plea for sanctuary. While the altar was traditionally a place of refuge (as seen with Adonijah himself in 1 Kings 1:50), its protection was not absolute, especially for grave offenses like treason or premeditated murder (Exodus 21:14).

Linguistic & Cultural Insight

The phrase "caught hold on the horns of the altar" refers to the four prominent projections at each corner of the altar of sacrifice. In ancient Israel, grasping these horns was a symbolic act of seeking asylum and divine protection, appealing to God's mercy. The altar was considered holy, and anyone touching it was thought to be under God's immediate protection. However, this custom had its limitations, particularly when the crime committed was severe, as was the case with Joab's treasonous support of Adonijah.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our allegiances and actions have consequences. It highlights the importance of discerning rightful authority and the potential pitfalls of aligning with those who oppose it. While we may seek refuge or escape from the repercussions of our choices, true justice, whether human or divine, will ultimately prevail. For believers, it underscores the idea that while God offers mercy, His justice is also unwavering, and there are limits to escaping accountability for one's deeds.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 1:50 (5 votes)

    And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

  • 1 Kings 1:7 (5 votes)

    And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].

  • 2 Samuel 18:2 (4 votes)

    And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

  • Exodus 27:2 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 (2 votes)

    To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

  • 2 Samuel 17:25 (2 votes)

    And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa [was] a man's son, whose name [was] Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

  • 2 Samuel 18:14 (2 votes)

    Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was] yet alive in the midst of the oak.