1 Kings 2:29

Fall upon him. Upon receipt of the news of Adonijah’s death, Joab tied for sanctuary. If he had felt himself entirely free from complicity in the recent conspiracy, he would hardly have feared for his life. Solomon’s words in pronouncing sentence upon him make no reference to anything except the old crimes mentioned in the dying charge of David. One of the reasons, no doubt, was that sanctuary was denied in cases of willful murder (Ex. 21:14). The laws against the shedding of blood were so rigid that it is doubtful whether a murderer could be pardoned according to law (Num. 35:16-34; Deut. 19:11-13). If sentence against willful murder were not executed, the land would carry the guilt of blood (Num. 35:33). The altar provided asylum only for those who had killed unwittingly, but this was not the case with Joab. Knowing well the law, Joab knew the fate in store for him. Rough and hardy soldier though he was, “too hard” even for the rugged warrior David, the old captain met his doom without a word of remonstrance or an act of resistance. He was guilty of crimes for which he knew he could present no defense.