Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever." Their bloodThis phrase refers to the guilt and consequences of the murders committed by Joab. In the Hebrew context, "blood" often symbolizes life and guilt for taking life unjustly. Joab's actions, particularly the murders of Abner and Amasa, were seen as shedding innocent blood, which according to the law, defiles the land and requires atonement ( Numbers 35:33). The phrase underscores the principle of divine justice, where the consequences of sin are inevitable unless atoned for. will come back upon the heads
This expression signifies the return of consequences or retribution upon the perpetrator. In ancient Israelite culture, the "head" symbolizes the person or the leader of a family. The idea is that the guilt and punishment for sin are personal and familial, affecting not just the individual but their lineage. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), where one's actions have repercussions. of Joab and his descendants forever
Joab, though a loyal military commander to David, acted independently and violently, often contrary to David's wishes. The mention of "his descendants forever" indicates a lasting curse or consequence, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of familial and generational curses, where the actions of one could affect many generations, unless divine intervention occurs. but upon David and his descendants, his house and his throne
This contrast highlights the divine favor and covenantal promise to David. Despite his own failings, David is portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his lineage is blessed. The "house" and "throne" symbolize the enduring dynasty promised to David, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the eternal King from David's line (2 Samuel 7:16). may there be peace from the LORD forever
The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses not just the absence of conflict but wholeness, prosperity, and divine favor. This blessing of peace is a profound promise, indicating God's enduring covenant with David. It reflects the ultimate peace brought through Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who reconciles humanity to God and establishes an everlasting kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and political influence. He was involved in the deaths of Abner and Amasa, which were acts of murder that David did not condone. 2. DavidThe second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sought to establish justice and righteousness in his kingdom. He is the central figure in this passage, seeking to ensure the stability and peace of his lineage. 3. SolomonDavid's son and successor, who is tasked with executing justice and establishing his reign. Solomon's actions in this chapter are part of fulfilling David's instructions to secure the kingdom. 4. Abner and AmasaBoth were military leaders who were unjustly killed by Joab. Their deaths are central to the curse pronounced upon Joab and his descendants. 5. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is invoked to bring peace upon David's house and throne, contrasting the curse upon Joab's lineage. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinJoab's actions led to a curse upon his descendants, illustrating the long-term impact of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and justice. The Importance of JusticeDavid's desire for justice reflects God's own heart for righteousness. Believers are called to uphold justice in their own lives and communities. God's Covenant FaithfulnessDespite human failures, God's promises remain steadfast. The peace upon David's house is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant. The Role of LeadershipSolomon's responsibility to execute justice highlights the importance of righteous leadership. Leaders today are called to act justly and uphold God's standards. Peace as a Divine BlessingThe peace upon David's throne is a reminder that true peace comes from the LORD. Believers are encouraged to seek God's peace in their lives and relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of justice in Genesis 9:6 relate to the events in 1 Kings 2:33, and what does this teach us about God's view of justice? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of Joab's actions affecting his descendants, and how does this inform our understanding of generational impact? 3. How does David's desire for peace upon his house reflect God's covenant promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's role in executing justice, and how can we apply these lessons to leadership roles we may hold? 5. How can we actively seek and promote peace in our communities, drawing from the blessing of peace upon David's throne as described in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 9:6This verse underscores the principle of justice for murder, which is relevant to the bloodguilt of Joab. 2 Samuel 3:27-39Provides the background of Joab's murder of Abner, highlighting David's disapproval and the need for justice. 2 Samuel 20:8-10Details the murder of Amasa by Joab, further illustrating Joab's pattern of violence. Psalm 89:3-4Speaks of God's covenant with David, promising an enduring throne, which is echoed in the blessing of peace upon David's house. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers can be contrasted with Joab's actions and the peace desired for David's lineage. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Age, Blood, David, Descendants, Evermore, Family, Forever, Joab, Jo'ab, Kingdom, Lord's, Peace, Requited, Rest, Return, Seat, Seed, Throne, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:33 5157 head
5581 throne 1 Kings 2:28-33 7318 blood, symbol of guilt 1 Kings 2:28-34 7315 blood, basis of life 1 Kings 2:31-33 5340 house
8278 innocence, teaching on 1 Kings 2:31-34 5969 treachery Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:33 NIV1 Kings 2:33 NLT1 Kings 2:33 ESV1 Kings 2:33 NASB1 Kings 2:33 KJV
1 Kings 2:33 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
