The significance of taking hold on the horns of the altar
The horns were wooden projections overlaid with brass protruding from the four corners of the altar (Exodus 27:2). The practice of finding safety in the sanctuary was common enough among the various cultures in the ancient Near East. It was so abused among the Romans that sacred asylum was abolished by the Emperor Tiberius as the temples became overcrowded with the worst criminals in the empire. Although it was provided for in Exodus 21:12-14, the only record of such sanctuary in the Old Testament is here and in 1 Kings 2:28. It should be noted that this asylum was intended to protect innocent persons. Hence, Adonijah's and Joab's use was really an abuse and explains why Solomon later had no reservation in punishing them both.
Dilday
Copyright © 1994-96 by Philip P. Kapusta