1 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
2 So every man of Israel went up from after David, [and] followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
3 And 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 ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.
4 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
5 So Amasa went to assemble [the men of] Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom: take thou thy lord’s servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
7 And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
8 When they [were] at the great stone which [is] in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle [with] a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, [Art] thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
11 And one of Joab’s men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that [is] for David, [let him go] after Joab.
12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
17 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, [Art] thou Joab? And he answered, I [am he]. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
18 Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel: and so they ended [the matter].
19 I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?
20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
21 The matter [is] not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, [even] against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.
22 Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
23 Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
24 And Adoram [was] over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder:
25 And Sheva [was] scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests:
26 And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.
Summary of 2 Samuel Chapter 20
2 Samuel Chapter 20 details a significant rebellion against King David led by Sheba, son of Bichri. This chapter highlights themes of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of civil strife within Israel. The chapter also illustrates the complexities of David’s reign and the ongoing challenges he faces from within his own kingdom.
Key Characters
- David: The king of Israel, dealing with internal conflict and rebellion.
- Sheba: A Benjaminite who instigates a rebellion against David.
- Joab: David’s military commander, known for his ruthless tactics.
- Amasa: Appointed by David to replace Joab as commander, but ultimately killed by Joab.
- Wise Woman of Abel: A woman from Abel who plays a crucial role in negotiating peace.
Plot Overview
- Sheba’s Rebellion: The chapter opens with Sheba rallying support in Israel against David, proclaiming that they have no share in David and urging the people to follow him.
- David’s Response: Upon learning of Sheba’s actions, David instructs Amasa to gather the men of Judah to pursue Sheba and prevent a greater rebellion.
- Joab’s Actions: Joab, feeling sidelined by David’s choice of Amasa, takes matters into his own hands. He confronts Amasa and kills him, reasserting his position as David’s commander.
- Pursuit of Sheba: Joab leads the army to pursue Sheba, moving through the territories of Israel to locate him.
- Siege of Abel: Sheba takes refuge in the city of Abel, where Joab lays siege. The city is described as a place known for its wisdom.
- Negotiation and Resolution: A wise woman from Abel negotiates with Joab, convincing him to spare the city in exchange for Sheba’s head. Joab agrees, and the people of Abel comply, throwing Sheba’s head over the wall.
- Conclusion: The chapter concludes with a summary of Joab’s military leadership and the administrative structure of David’s kingdom.
Thematic Analysis
- Leadership and Authority: The chapter explores the dynamics of leadership, particularly the tension between David and Joab, as well as the challenges posed by rebellious figures like Sheba.
- Civil Strife: The rebellion illustrates the fragility of David’s reign and the potential for division within the nation of Israel.
- Wisdom and Negotiation: The wise woman of Abel represents the importance of diplomacy and wisdom in resolving conflicts, contrasting with the violence exhibited by Joab.
- Consequences of Violence: Joab’s actions reflect the brutal reality of political power struggles, where loyalty can lead to betrayal and violence.
Literary Devices
- Dialogue: The conversations between characters, especially the negotiation with the wise woman, highlight the tension and stakes involved.
- Symbolism: The act of throwing Sheba’s head over the wall symbolizes the resolution of conflict and the lengths to which people will go to restore order.
- Foreshadowing: Joab’s ruthless nature foreshadows future conflicts and challenges David will face in maintaining his rule.
Conclusion
2 Samuel Chapter 20 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of David’s reign, illustrating the complexities of leadership amidst rebellion. The chapter emphasizes the themes of loyalty, the consequences of civil strife, and the necessity of wisdom in governance. Through the characters and their actions, the chapter provides insight into the turbulent political landscape of ancient Israel.
