And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
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
Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever,.... Not only upon Joab, but upon his posterity as long as there would be any; signifying, that Joab's death would not be a sufficient satisfaction, but the punishment of his murders would be continued to his offspring: see Sa2 3:29; but upon David, and upon his...
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