At the youthful age of twelve (1) Solomon succeeded his father David as
king. His real name was Jedidiah, the "friend of God," but it was
superseded by the name Solomon on account of the peace that prevailed
throughout the realm during his reign. He bore three other names
besides: Ben, Jakeh, and Ithiel. He was called Ben because he was the
builder of the Temple; Jakeh, because he was the ruler of the whole
world; and Ithiel, because God was with him. (2)
The rebellion Adonijah intended to lead against the future king was
suppressed during David's lifetime, by having Solomon anointed in
public. On that occasion Solomon rode upon a remarkable she-mule,
remarkable because she was not the product of cross-breeding, but of a
special act of creation. (3)
As soon as he ascended the throne, Solomon set about executing the
instructions his father had given him on his death-bed. The first of
them was the punishment of Joab. (4)
Notwithstanding all his excellent qualities, which fitted him to be not
only David's first general, but also the president of the Academy, (5)
Joab had committed great crimes, which had to be atoned for. Beside the
murder of Abner (6) and Amasa of which he was guilty, he had incurred
wrong against David himself. The generals of the army suspected him of
having had Uriah the Hittite put out of the way for purposes of his
own, whereupon he showed them David's letter dooming Uriah. David might
have forgiven Joab, but he wanted him to expiate his sins in this
world, so that he might be exempt from punishment in the world to come.
(7)
When Joab perceived that Solomon intended to have him executed, he
sought the protection of the Temple. He knew full well that he could
not save his life in this way, for the arm of justice reaches beyond
the doors of the sanctuary, to the altar of God. What he wished was to
be accorded a regular trial, and not suffer death by the king's order.
In the latter case he would lose fortune as well as life, and he was
desirous of leaving his children well provided for. Thereupon Solomon
sent word to him that he had no intention of confiscating his estates.
(8)
Though he was convinced of Joab's guilt, Solomon nevertheless granted
him the privilege of defense. The king questioned him: "Why didst thou
kill Abner?"