1Ki 2:26 | MHM | STEP | Joab Put to Death Abiathar and Joab were both involved in Adonijah’s plan to take the throne. Their actions were not only against Solomon but also a serious offense to God and the kingdom. Because they were leaders, their example could have led many others astray. Solomon had to deal with them next. Although both were guilty, their punishments were different for good reasons. v. 26–27 : Solomon judged Abiathar, the priest, for helping Adonijah, even though Abiathar knew God wanted Solomon to be king (1 Kings 2:26–27 ). Solomon declared, “You deserve to die for joining Adonijah, knowing God’s choice” (1 Kings 2:26 ). However, Solomon remembered how Abiathar had served his father David, carrying the ark of the Lord and sharing in his troubles, especially when David was fleeing Saul and later Absalom (1 Samuel 22:20–23; 2 Samuel 15:24–29 ). Because of this past loyalty, Solomon spared Abiathar’s life but removed him from being priest. Abiathar was sent to his land in Anathoth and could no longer serve at the tabernacle or take part in government. This also fulfilled God’s old warning about Eli’s family losing the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:30 ). God’s promises and warnings always come true, even if it takes many years.

‏ 1 Kings 2:26

Joab Put to Death

Abiathar and Joab were both involved in Adonijah’s plan to take the throne. Their actions were not only against Solomon but also a serious offense to God and the kingdom. Because they were leaders, their example could have led many others astray. Solomon had to deal with them next. Although both were guilty, their punishments were different for good reasons.

v. 26–27: Solomon judged Abiathar, the priest, for helping Adonijah, even though Abiathar knew God wanted Solomon to be king (1 Kings 2:26–27 ^a). Solomon declared, “You deserve to die for joining Adonijah, knowing God’s choice” (1 Kings 2:26 ^b). However, Solomon remembered how Abiathar had served his father David, carrying the ark of the Lord and sharing in his troubles, especially when David was fleeing Saul and later Absalom (1 Samuel 22:20–23; 2 Samuel 15:24–29 ^c). Because of this past loyalty, Solomon spared Abiathar’s life but removed him from being priest. Abiathar was sent to his land in Anathoth and could no longer serve at the tabernacle or take part in government. This also fulfilled God’s old warning about Eli’s family losing the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:30 ^d). God’s promises and warnings always come true, even if it takes many years.