So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.
Abiathar and Joab were equally guilty of treason, yet Solomon rightly made a difference: Abiathar is only degraded and confined to Anathoth, spared because he had borne the ark before David and suffered all his afflictions. Kindness to God's people shall be remembered to their advantage.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:26-34
And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host,.... Advanced him from being captain of his bodyguards to be general of the army: and Zadok the priest did he put in the room of Abiathar; from a common priest he promoted him to the high priesthood; whereby that office was restored to its ancient line, the family or Eleazar...
Joab's crimes warranted death long ago, but his power with the army shielded him until now. He fled to the altar hoping religious scruple would stay the executioner's hand, but the law permits no sanctuary for a murderer and rebel.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:28-45