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.
King Solomon was told that Joab had run away to the Lord's tabernacle and was standing by the altar. So Solomon sent Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, with this command: 'Go and kill him.'
King Solomon ordered the execution of Joab, even though Joab had sought sanctuary at God's altar in the tabernacle.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Solomon's consolidation of power after becoming king. Joab was David's longtime military commander who had supported Adonijah's failed attempt to become king instead of Solomon. In ancient times, grabbing the horns of the altar was considered seeking sanctuary from God, but Solomon determined that Joab's crimes warranted execution despite this appeal for protection.
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