2 Samuel 20

In 2 Samuel 20, after Absalom’s rebellion, another uprising arises led by Sheba, a Benjamite. This chapter outlines the pursuit of Sheba by Joab and his forces, culminating in Sheba’s death and the restoration of order. The tension between the tribes of Israel and Judah resurfaces as they struggle with loyalty to King David. Joab, David’s general, also deals with internal threats, notably killing Amasa, who had replaced him as commander. The chapter explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and the ruthlessness of power in Israel’s kingdom.

2 Samuel 20:1-2 (NKJV)
1 And there happened to be there a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said: “We have no share in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!”
2 So every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king.

Sheba, a Benjamite, stirs up rebellion against David, claiming that the northern tribes have no part in his rule. His actions further divide Israel and Judah, reflecting the underlying tension after Absalom’s rebellion. While Israel follows Sheba, Judah remains loyal to David, highlighting the fractured nature of the kingdom.

2 Samuel 20:3 (NKJV)
3 Now David came to his house at Jerusalem. And the king took the ten women, his concubines whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in seclusion and supported them, but did not go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.

David’s treatment of the concubines shows his sense of justice and honor. They had been abused by Absalom during his rebellion, and David, while caring for their material needs, decides not to be intimate with them. This act reflects the consequences of sin and rebellion, leaving these women to live the rest of their lives in isolation.

2 Samuel 20:4-5 (NKJV)
4 And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here yourself.”
5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him.

David commands Amasa, his new commander, to gather the forces of Judah to pursue Sheba. However, Amasa delays in carrying out the task. This delay raises questions about his loyalty or capability, creating a situation where swift action is needed but hindered.

2 Samuel 20:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities, and escape us.”
7 So Joab’s men, with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, went out after him; and they went out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

David, realizing the threat Sheba poses, instructs Abishai to lead the forces and pursue him. David’s concern shows that Sheba could cause as much harm as Absalom if left unchecked. Joab’s men, along with the elite troops, are mobilized for the mission, showcasing the urgency to end the rebellion.

2 Samuel 20:8-10 (NKJV)
8 When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came before them. Now Joab was dressed in battle armor; on it was a belt with a sword fastened in its sheath at his hips. And as he was going forward, it fell out.
9 Then Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in health, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
10 But Amasa did not notice the sword that was in Joab’s hand. And he struck him with it in the stomach, and his entrails poured out on the ground. And he did not strike him again; thus he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.

Joab, though replaced by Amasa, treacherously kills him under the guise of a greeting. Joab’s ruthlessness is displayed as he eliminates a rival to regain his position. His action is swift and brutal, demonstrating the power struggles within David’s army.

2 Samuel 20:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Meanwhile one of Joab’s men stood near Amasa, and said, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David—follow Joab!”
12 But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he moved Amasa from the highway to the field and threw a garment over him, when he saw that everyone who came upon him halted.
13 When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

After Joab deceitfully kills Amasa, one of Joab’s men stands by the body, calling on the soldiers to follow Joab as their leader in pursuing the rebel Sheba. Amasa’s body, lying in the middle of the road, causes the troops to stop and become distracted. Seeing this, the unnamed man, likely one of Joab’s loyal soldiers, moves Amasa’s body off the road and covers it with a garment. This act was done to prevent further delays and distractions among the troops, allowing them to continue their mission of pursuing Sheba without hindrance. The removal of the body signifies the brutal practicality of the situation, where the focus had to remain on the task at hand despite the treachery committed by Joab.

2 Samuel 20:14-15 (NKJV)
14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and Beth Maachah and all the Berites. So they were gathered together and also went after Sheba.
15 Then they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maachah; and they cast up a siege mound against the city. And it stood by the rampart. And all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down.

Joab’s forces track Sheba to the city of Abel, where they lay siege, preparing to break down the city walls. This shows Joab’s relentless pursuit and strategic planning to capture Sheba. The situation escalates quickly as the city’s destruction seems imminent.

2 Samuel 20:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Then a wise woman cried out from the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come nearby, that I may speak with you.’”
17 When he had come near to her, the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your maidservant.” And he answered, “I am listening.”

A wise woman from the city intervenes, calling for a conversation with Joab. Her actions show the importance of wisdom in tense situations. By speaking directly to Joab, she seeks to find a solution that could save the city from destruction.

2 Samuel 20:18-19 (NKJV)
18 So she spoke, saying, “They used to talk in former times, saying, ‘They shall surely seek guidance at Abel,’ and so they would end disputes.
19 I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?”

The woman appeals to Joab’s sense of justice, reminding him of Abel’s reputation as a place where disputes are resolved peacefully. She emphasizes the city’s loyalty to Israel and challenges Joab’s intent to destroy a valuable part of the Lord’s inheritance.

2 Samuel 20:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy!
21 That is not so. But a man from the mountains of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him only, and I will depart from the city.” So the woman said to Joab, “Watch, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”

Joab clarifies that his mission is not to destroy the city but to capture Sheba. He gives the woman a way to avoid the city’s destruction by handing over the rebel. This compromise shows Joab’s willingness to spare the innocent if the guilty party is dealt with.

2 Samuel 20:22 (NKJV)
22 Then the woman in her wisdom went to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. Then he blew a trumpet, and they withdrew from the city, every man to his tent. So Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem.

The wise woman convinces the people to kill Sheba, effectively ending the rebellion without further bloodshed. Joab signals the end of the siege, and peace is restored as the men return to their homes. Joab returns to David, having completed his mission.

2 Samuel 20:23-25 (NKJV)
23 And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
24 Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
25 Sheva was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests;

This passage lists the key officials in David’s administration, showing the structure of power in Israel. Joab retains his position as the commander of the army despite his treachery, while other officials oversee different aspects of governance, such as revenue, records, and religious affairs.

2 Samuel 20:26 (NKJV)
26 and Ira the Jairite was a chief minister under David.

Ira the Jairite is noted as one of David’s chief ministers, indicating his high-ranking position in the kingdom. This final verse rounds out the list of important figures in David’s administration, emphasizing the organized leadership during his reign.