1 Kings 2:31-37 - Strike him down

2:31-33

Solomon was not going to stand for any nonsense from Joab. If he wanted to die at the altar, then at the altar he would die. Solomon saw this as clearing his family of the guilt of the blood that Joab had shed. Why did Solomon feel guilty for this? None of the actions had been done at David’s command (though there were instances where David slaughtered people), but maybe it was guilt at having employed the services of such a man? Solomon considers the two men that Joab killed as being better than Joab himself.

2:34-37

Benaiah then went and carried out Solomon’s orders and Joab was buried. Benaiah then became commander of the army in Joab’s place. And Zadok became priest in place of Abiathar.

Shimei was the next to be dealt with. He was not punished immediately. Instead he was told to build a house in Jerusalem, and ordered to stay there. He was confined to Jerusalem, but warned that if he went elsewhere (crossing the Kidron Valley) he would be put to death.