King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:28 Mean?

1 Kings 2:28 in the King James Version says “Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto th...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 2:28 · KJV

Context

26

And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted. worthy: Heb. a man of death

27

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

28

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.

29

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.

30

And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְהַשְּׁמֻעָה֙1 of 21

“Then tidings”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

בָּ֣אָה2 of 21

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד3 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יוֹאָב֙4 of 21

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

כִּ֣י5 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹאָב֙6 of 21

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

נָטָ֑ה7 of 21

“had turned”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י8 of 21

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֔ה9 of 21

“Adonijah”

H138

adonijah, the name of three israelites

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י10 of 21

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם11 of 21

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

לֹ֣א12 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָטָ֑ה13 of 21

“had turned”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

וַיָּ֤נָס14 of 21

“fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

יוֹאָב֙15 of 21

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל16 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל17 of 21

“unto the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 21

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק19 of 21

“and caught hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת20 of 21

“on the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃21 of 21

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 2:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 2:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:71 Kings 1:502 Samuel 18:22 Samuel 17:252 Samuel 18:14-15Exodus 27:2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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