[Solomon said,] "Strike him [Joab] down and bury him, and so clear me and my father’s house of the guilt of the innocent blood that Joab shed." — 1 Kings 2:31
Joab did much good for Israel. He was one of the best military commanders Israel ever had. Again and again, he led his troops to victory and was used by God to transform a small struggling nation into the dominant power in the region.
Yet all his good could not erase his core corruption — he was a man of reckless violence who put to death at least two innocent men.
Solomon was doing more than "cleaning house." As God’s representative, he was showing the families of Abner and Amasa (see 2 Samuel chapters 3 & 20), the tribes of Israel, and people of every generation that God does not forget injustice.
Right now innocent blood is being spilled in every nation on this earth. Many are crying out, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge …" (Revelation 6:10) God does not forget, and He will not delay. At the right time, He will act.
But thank God for the time of grace in between. For even murderers can find the grace of God that cleanses us from all our sins.
Be encouraged!
Dwight