1 Kings 2:28

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And the report came to Joab, for Joab had turned aside to Adonijah, and after Absalom he had not turned aside. And Joab fled to the tabernacle of YHWH and took hold of the horns of the altar.

Latin

Venit autem nuntius ad Joab, quod Joab declinasset post Adoniam, et post Salomonem non declinasset: fugit ergo Joab in tabernaculum Domini, et apprehendit cornu altaris.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

Notes

1 Kings 2:28–29

Joab followed Adonijah's example (1 Kings 1:50). Joab hoped for mercy by holding onto the altar's horns, as allowed by the law of Moses (Exodus 21:12–14; Numbers 35:22–25; Deuteronomy 19:4–5). However, because Joab was a murderer, he could not receive mercy (see 2 Samuel 3:27; 18:14; 20:10).

1 Kings 2:26–35

Solomon believed that Adonijah's main supporters, Abiathar and Joab, were still part of Adonijah's plans, so he took action against them too.

Theme notes and profiles

Abiathar Joab Solomon The Cities of Refuge

Events

Reign of Solomon

Related verses

1 Kings 1:50
But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.
1 Kings 1:7
So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him.
2 Samuel 18:2
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
2 Samuel 17:25
Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.
Exodus 27:2
Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze.
2 Samuel 18:14–15
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Adonijah: Son of David who attempted to seize the throne Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Glossary

Amasa Asylum Eleazar Ithra Jether Joab Kings, Books of First and Second Palace Samuel, Books of First and Second Shimei Solomon (Person) Tabernacle

Topics

Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Government: Monarchical by Solomon Homicide: Felonious: Solomon Joab: Son of David's Sister: Supports Adonijah As Successor to David Malice: Joab Punishments were Inflicted by Order of Kings Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of the Lord

1 Kings 2:28

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