Joab Executed
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The day of reckoning had come. Joab received word that Adonijah was dead. Realizing he was probably next on the list of coconspirators, he sought refuge at the tabernacle. Grasping the horns of the altar, he claimed sanctuary. Word reached Solomon of Joab’s location, and he sent Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, to slay him. Benaiah ordered Joab to come out of the tabernacle grounds. Joab answered, “Nay; but I will die here” (1 Kings 2:30).
Benaiah reported these words back to Solomon.
Solomon instructed Benaiah to return to the tabernacle and honor the words of Joab, for Joab had shed the innocent blood of Abner, son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa, the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah. If Joab “had felt himself entirely free from complicity in the recent conspiracy, he would hardly have feared for his life. Solomon’s words in pronouncing sentence upon him make no reference to anything except the old crimes mentioned in the dying charge of David. One of the reasons, no doubt, was that sanctuary was denied in cases of willful murder (Ex. 21:14). The laws against the shedding of blood were so rigid that it is doubtful whether a murderer could be pardoned according to law (Num. 35:16–34; Deut. 19:11–13). If sentence against willful murder were not executed, the land would carry the guilt of blood (Num. 35:33). The altar provided asylum only for those who had killed unwittingly, but this was not the case with Joab. Knowing well the law, Joab knew the fate in store for him. . . . He was guilty of crimes for which he knew he could present no defense.” Here ended the complicated life of the warrior who had once been commander of all David’s men.
Joab had not thought his actions through.
He had conspired not just against Solomon but also against God.
He had shed innocent blood to protect his position and conspired against Solomon.
These crimes could not remain unpunished.
“Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness” (Proverbs 25:5).
