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30 Benaiah arrived at the tent of the Eternal, but he could not enter to kill Joab.

Benaiah (calling out to Joab): It is the king’s command that you come out at once.

Joab: No. If you are going to kill me, then kill me here at the altar.

Benaiah went back to the king and relayed his conversation with Joab. Joab did not expect Solomon to violate the rules of sanctuary.

Solomon: 31 Do as he wishes. Kill him at the altar, then bury him. This will cleanse me and my father’s house from all blame concerning the blood Joab has recklessly spilled. 32 The Eternal will do to him that which he did to others, for he murdered two men with his sword who were more honorable and better than he was. He kept this secret from my father. He killed Abner (Ner’s son) who was the leader of Israel’s army and also Amasa (Jether’s son) who was the leader of Judah’s army.[a]

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