feared] By reason of a guilty conscience he feared lst Solomon should take away his life, knowing that he had sinned against God and his fathers will. horns] The altar was made with four horns, Exodus 38:2. on them a man might lay fast hold altar] They supposed that to be a place of refuge, Exodus 21:14. and to have a priviledge of immunity from punishment: at least he thought he might gain time thereby to pacifie his brothers wrath (which he did, v. 52, 53.) and to seek mercy of God, as Joab, Chap. 2. v. 30.