1 Kings 2:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַשְּׁמֻעָה֙
Then tidings
something heard, i.e., an announcement
#2
בָּ֣אָה
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
יוֹאָב֙
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
יוֹאָב֙
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#7
נָטָ֑ה
had turned
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#8
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
אֲדֹֽנִיָּ֔ה
Adonijah
adonijah, the name of three israelites
#10
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם
H53
Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#12
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נָטָ֑ה
had turned
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#14
וַיָּ֤נָס
fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#15
יוֹאָב֙
And Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
אֹ֣הֶל
unto the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#18
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
וַֽיַּחֲזֵ֖ק
and caught hold
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#20
בְּקַרְנ֥וֹת
on the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#21
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
of the altar
an altar

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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