King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:29 Mean?

“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.”

1 Kings 2:29 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 22 words
וַיֻּגַּ֞ד1 of 22

“And it was told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 22

“king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה3 of 22

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כִּ֣י4 of 22
H3588

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

נָ֤ס5 of 22

“was fled”

H5127

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

יוֹאָב֙6 of 22

“that Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל7 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל8 of 22

“unto the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִנֵּ֖ה10 of 22
H2009

lo!

אֵ֣צֶל11 of 22

“and behold he is by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ12 of 22

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח13 of 22

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה14 of 22

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת15 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנָיָ֧הוּ16 of 22

“Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶן17 of 22

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֛ע18 of 22

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

לֵאמֹ֖ר19 of 22

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֥ךְ20 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

פְּגַע21 of 22

“fall”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בּֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H0

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 2:29 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 2:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:25Exodus 21:141 Kings 2:461 Kings 2:311 Peter 4:17Ezekiel 9:6

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