Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down!” New Living Translation When this was reported to King Solomon, he sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada to execute him. English Standard Version And when it was told King Solomon, “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD, and behold, he is beside the altar,” Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” Berean Standard Bible It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” Berean Literal Bible And it was declared to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of YHWH, and behold, he was by the altar. And Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” King James Bible And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. New King James Version And King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to the tabernacle of the LORD; there he is, by the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” New American Standard Bible And it was reported to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD, and was beside the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, execute him.” NASB 1995 It was told King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD, and behold, he is beside the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” NASB 1977 And it was told King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD, and behold, he is beside the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” Legacy Standard Bible And it was told to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tent of Yahweh, and behold, he is beside the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” Amplified Bible King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was at that moment beside the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” Berean Annotated Bible It was reported to King Solomon (peace): “Joab (YHWH is father) has fled to the tent of the LORD {YHWH} and is now beside the altar. So Solomon sent Benaiah (YHWH has built up) son of Jehoiada (YHWH knows), saying, “Go, strike him down! Christian Standard Bible It was reported to King Solomon, “Joab has fled to the LORD’s tabernacle and is now beside the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada and told him, “Go and strike him down! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the LORD’s tabernacle and is now beside the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada and told him, “Go and strike him down!” American Standard Version And it was told king Solomon, Joab is fled unto the Tent of Jehovah, and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. Contemporary English Version When Solomon heard about this, he sent someone to ask Joab, "Why did you run to the altar?" Joab sent back his answer, "I was afraid of you, and I ran to the LORD for protection." Then Solomon shouted, "Benaiah, go kill Joab!" English Revised Version And it was told king Solomon, Joab is fled unto the Tent of the LORD, and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. GOD'S WORD® Translation After King Solomon heard that Joab had fled to the altar in the tent of the LORD, Solomon sent Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, to kill Joab. Good News Translation When the news reached King Solomon that Joab had fled to the Tent and was by the altar, Solomon sent a messenger to Joab to ask him why he had fled to the altar. Joab answered that he had fled to the LORD because he was afraid of Solomon. So King Solomon sent Benaiah to kill Joab. International Standard Version Somebody informed King Solomon, "Joab just ran to the LORD's tent and now he's standing beside the altar!" But Solomon ordered Jehoiada's son Benaiah, "Go kill him!" NET Bible When King Solomon heard that Joab had run to the tent of the LORD and was right there beside the altar, he ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, "Go, strike him down." New Heart English Bible It was told king Solomon, "Joab has fled to the Tent of the LORD, and look, he is by the altar." And Solomon sent to Joab, saying, "What happened to you, that you have fled to the altar?" And Joab said, "Because I was afraid of you, so I fled to the LORD." And Solomon sent to Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, "Go, fall on him." Webster's Bible Translation And it was told to king Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of the LORD; and behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” World English Bible King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to Yahweh’s Tent; and behold, he is by the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall on him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it is declared to King Solomon that Joab has fled to the tent of YHWH, and behold, [is] near the altar; and Solomon sends Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall on him.” Berean Literal Bible And it was declared to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of YHWH, and behold, he was by the altar. And Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” Young's Literal Translation And it is declared to king Solomon that Joab hath fled unto the tent of Jehovah, and lo, near the altar; and Solomon sendeth Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, 'Go, fall upon him.' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be announced to king Solomon that Joab fled to the tent of Jehovah; and behold, by the altar. And Solomon will send Benaiah son of Jehoida, saying, Go strike upon him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd it was told king Solomon, that Joab was fled into the tabernacle of the Lord, and was by the altar: and Solomon sent Banaias the son of Joiada, saying: Go, kill him. Catholic Public Domain Version And it was reported to king Solomon that Joab had fled into the tabernacle of the Lord, and that he was beside the altar. And Solomon sent Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, put him to death.” New American Bible King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is by the altar.” He sent Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, with the order, “Go, strike him down.” New Revised Standard Version When it was told King Solomon, “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and now is beside the altar,” Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it was told King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of the LORD and had taken refuge on the horns of the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go and attack him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they revealed to the King Solomon that Yuab fled to the Tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH and seized refuge on the horns of the altar, and King Solomon sent Benaiah, son of Yawida and said to him: “Go, fall upon him.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it was told king Solomon: 'Joab is fled unto the Tent of the LORD, and, behold, he is by the altar.' Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying: 'Go, fall upon him.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it was told Solomon, saying, Joab has fled to the tabernacle of the Lord, and lo! he has hold of the horns of the altar. And king Solomon sent to Joab, saying, What ails thee, that thou hast fled to the altar? and Joab said, Because I was afraid of thee, and fled for refuge to the Lord. And Solomon sent Banaeas son of Jodae, saying, Go and slay him, and bury him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Execution of Joab28When 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. 29It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” 30And 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.”… Cross References It was reported to King Solomon: 2 Samuel 18:31-32 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” / The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.” 2 Samuel 1:4-5 “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” / Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 2 Samuel 11:18-19 Joab sent to David a full account of the battle / and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king a full account of the battle, “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD 1 Kings 1:50-51 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” Psalm 61:4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. and is now beside the altar.” Exodus 21:14 But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. 1 Kings 1:52-53 And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” / So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, “Go to your home.” Deuteronomy 19:11-13 If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, 1 Kings 4:4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 1 Kings 1:38 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. 2 Samuel 8:18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders. “Go, strike him down!” 2 Kings 10:25-26 When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. / They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. 2 Samuel 1:15 Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. 2 Samuel 4:12 So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. Treasury of Scripture And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled to the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on him. he is Exodus 21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. Ezekiel 9:6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Go 1 Kings 2:25,31,46 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died… Jump to Previous Altar Benaiah Benai'ah Fall Fled Flight Jehoiada Jehoi'ada Joab Jo'ab Ordered Solomon Strike Tabernacle TentJump to Next Altar Benaiah Benai'ah Fall Fled Flight Jehoiada Jehoi'ada Joab Jo'ab Ordered Solomon Strike Tabernacle Tent1 Kings 2 1. David, having given a charge to Solomon3. of Reverence 5. of Joab 7. of Barzillai 8. of Shimei 10. Solomon succeeds 12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag, 13. is put to death 26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood 28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain 35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's 36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death. It was reported to King Solomon: This phrase indicates the communication of important information to the king, a common practice in ancient monarchies. Solomon, as the newly established king, was consolidating his rule. Reports to the king were crucial for maintaining order and executing justice. This reflects the administrative structure of the Israelite monarchy, where the king was the central authority. Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD: and is now beside the altar: So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying: “Go, strike him down!” Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Joab The son of Zeruiah, Joab was the commander of King David's army. He was a skilled military leader but also known for his violent actions and disobedience to David's commands. 3. Benaiah son of Jehoiada A loyal supporter of Solomon, Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader of David's bodyguard. He was later appointed as the commander of the army under Solomon. 4. The Tent of the LORD This refers to the tabernacle, a sacred place where the Israelites worshiped God before the construction of the Temple. It was considered a place of refuge and divine presence. 5. The Altar Located within the tabernacle, the altar was used for sacrifices and was considered a holy place. Joab sought refuge here, hoping for protection from execution. Teaching Points Justice and AccountabilityGod's justice requires accountability for one's actions. Joab's past deeds, including murder, could not be overlooked, even if he sought refuge at a sacred place. Sanctity of Sacred Spaces While sacred spaces are important, they should not be misused as a means to escape justice. True repentance and seeking God's mercy are necessary. Leadership and Difficult Decisions Solomon's decision to execute Joab demonstrates the difficult choices leaders must make to uphold justice and righteousness. The Role of Mercy and Judgment Balancing mercy and judgment is crucial in leadership. Solomon's actions reflect the need to uphold God's laws while also considering the broader implications for the kingdom. The Importance of Obedience Joab's disobedience to King David's commands ultimately led to his downfall. Obedience to God's appointed leaders is essential for maintaining order and righteousness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:29?2. How does 1 Kings 2:29 illustrate the importance of obeying God's commands? 3. What can we learn about God's justice from 1 Kings 2:29? 4. How does 1 Kings 2:29 connect to the theme of divine retribution? 5. What actions can we take to ensure we follow God's will like Solomon? 6. How does Solomon's response in 1 Kings 2:29 reflect biblical leadership principles? 7. Why did Solomon order Joab's execution in 1 Kings 2:29? 8. How does 1 Kings 2:29 reflect on justice and mercy in the Bible? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 2:29? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2? 11. How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22–25 and 2:29–34 with David’s emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions? 12. Who was Benaiah in the Bible? 13. What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible? 14. In 1 Kings 2:1-9, why does David instruct Solomon to exact vengeance on Joab and Shimei, contradicting previous oaths and seeming to endorse personal revenge? What Does 1 Kings 2:29 Mean Reported to King Solomon“It was reported to King Solomon...” (1 Kings 2:29a) • News of Joab’s flight comes immediately after Solomon has begun purging threats to the throne, echoing the earlier report about Adonijah (1 Kings 1:43–53). • God’s design for kings included protecting justice (Deuteronomy 17:18-20), so Solomon must respond. • David had charged Solomon to deal with Joab’s blood-guilt over Abner and Amasa (1 Kings 2:5-6; 2 Samuel 3:27; 20:10). The report connects that unfinished mandate to this moment. Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD...” (1 Kings 2:29b) • The tent was the provisional sanctuary in Jerusalem before the temple was built (2 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 16:1). • Joab’s flight mirrors Adonijah’s earlier grab for mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51), yet unlike Adonijah he carries unrepented murder. • Scripture distinguishes between unintentional manslayers, who could seek refuge, and willful murderers, who could not (Exodus 21:14; Numbers 35:30-34). Joab knows the law but tries to exploit the symbolism of the sanctuary. And is now beside the altar “...and is now beside the altar.” (1 Kings 2:29c) • The bronze altar was the place of substitutionary sacrifice and atonement (Leviticus 1:9). Standing there implied an appeal for mercy. • Yet God’s Word warns that the altar does not annul premeditated bloodshed (Exodus 21:14), underscoring that holiness does not shelter hardened sin. • Joab’s stance contrasts with genuine repentance seen in David after his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51). Joab seeks protection, not forgiveness. So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada “So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada...” (1 Kings 2:29d) • Benaiah, proven loyal (2 Samuel 23:20-23), becomes Solomon’s chief executor of justice (1 Kings 2:35). • His summons illustrates Romans 13:4 long before Paul wrote it: governing authority is “an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” • The king’s swift action models obedience to David’s final counsel and to God’s requirement that innocent blood be purged from the land (Deuteronomy 19:13). Go, strike him down! “...saying, ‘Go, strike him down!’” (1 Kings 2:29e) • The command fulfills both David’s personal charge and divine law. Justice delayed would undermine Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 2:33). • Contrast: Adonijah received mercy when he submitted; Joab will face the sword because he clings to rebellion (Proverbs 28:13). • The scene foreshadows Christ’s perfect kingship, where mercy and truth meet and where unrepentant sin is finally judged (Revelation 19:11-16). summary 1 Kings 2:29 shows that running to holy ground cannot shield unrepentant, willful sin. Joab’s flight to the altar highlights God’s provision of mercy, yet Solomon’s order through Benaiah displays God-ordained justice. The verse affirms that true refuge is found not in mere ritual but in genuine repentance and submission to God’s righteous King. Verse 29. - And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and, behold, he is by the altar. [The LXX. here inserts, "And Solomon the king sent to Joab, saying, What has happened thee, that thou art fled to the altar? And Joab said, Because I feared before thee, and I fled to the Lord." This is only a gloss, but it is an instructive one. It shows that the author regarded Joab's flight as betraying a guilty conscience.] Then Solomon sent Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. [The LXX. adds, "and bury him."]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It was reportedוַיֻּגַּ֞ד (way·yug·gaḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to King לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Solomon: שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne “Joab יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites has fled נָ֤ס (nās) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the tent אֹ֣הֶל (’ō·hel) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 168: A tent of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and is now וְהִנֵּ֖ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! beside אֵ֣צֶל (’ê·ṣel) Preposition Strong's 681: A joining together, proximity the altar.” הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar So Solomon שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Benaiah בְּנָיָ֧הוּ (bə·nā·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1141: Benaiah -- 'Yah has built up', the name of several Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Jehoiada, יְהוֹיָדָ֛ע (yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3077: Jehoiada -- 'the LORD knows', the name of several Israelites saying, לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “Go, לֵ֥ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk strike him down!” פְּגַע־ (pə·ḡa‘-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity Links 1 Kings 2:29 NIV1 Kings 2:29 NLT 1 Kings 2:29 ESV 1 Kings 2:29 NASB 1 Kings 2:29 KJV 1 Kings 2:29 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 2:29 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 2:29 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 2:29 French Bible 1 Kings 2:29 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 2:29 It was told king Solomon Joab (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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