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.
When the news reached Joab, he was terrified. Joab had supported Adonijah's attempt to become king, though he had stayed loyal during Absalom's earlier rebellion. So Joab ran to the Lord's sacred tent and grabbed hold of the corners of the altar for protection.
Joab, realizing he was in serious trouble for backing the wrong side in a power struggle, desperately sought sanctuary at God's altar.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Joab served as a prominent military commander under King David, playing a crucial role in many of Israel's battles. After David's death, Joab backed Adonijah's bid to become king instead of Solomon, whom David had designated as successor, even though Joab had not supported Absalom's earlier rebellion against David. This act led Joab to flee for his life when Solomon took the throne, seeking refuge by grabbing the horns of the altar in the tabernacle, a common ancient practice for claiming sanctuary.
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