# Overview 2 Samuel Chapter 20 unfolds with the revolt of #Sheba, son of Bichri, a #Benjamite, who takes advantage of the political unrest following #Absalom's rebellion. #Sheba declares, "We have no share in #David, nor do we have an inheritance in the son of #Jesse," leading the men of #Israel to follow him, while the men of #Judah remain loyal to #David. This chapter highlights the ongoing division within the kingdom of #Israel and the challenges #David faces in consolidating his rule. Anticipating the threat posed by Sheba's insurrection, David instructs #Amasa, his newly appointed commander, to assemble the men of Judah. However, when Amasa delays, David orders #Abishai to pursue Sheba, accompanied by #Joab and the king's warriors. As the narrative progresses, Joab, acting with ruthless ambition, murders Amasa during the pursuit, reclaiming his position as the commander of the army. The pursuit of Sheba continues until Joab and his forces lay siege to the city of #AbelBethMaacah, where Sheba has sought refuge. A wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, resulting in Sheba's execution and the end of the rebellion. This chapter demonstrates the complexities of leadership and the measures taken to secure #David's kingdom, even as internal strife threatens the unity of the nation. It underscores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of maintaining power within an unstable political landscape. ## Theological Insights 2 Samuel 20 provides a significant insight into the themes of rebellion, leadership, and God's sovereignty. The rebellion of #Sheba, a son of Bichri, represents the ongoing struggle for unity within the nation of #Israel. Sheba's revolt against #David's kingship reflects the persistent challenges to divinely ordained authority, reminiscent of [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 15|Absalom's rebellion]]. This pattern of insurrection underscores the fragility of human leadership and the need for God's intervention to maintain order and fulfill His purposes. The chapter also highlights the decisive leadership of #Joab, who ultimately quells the rebellion by pursuing and eliminating Sheba. Joab's actions, though ruthless, are instrumental in restoring stability to the kingdom. This reflects the complexity of moral and ethical decisions in leadership, where actions are sometimes taken that, while securing peace, may not align with ideal righteousness. Joab's role as a commander demonstrates the tension between justice and mercy, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. Furthermore, the passage illustrates God's sovereignty through the resolution of the conflict. Despite the human actions and decisions, God's overarching plan for His chosen king, David, continues to unfold. The narrative reiterates that God's purposes prevail through the tumultuous events, reinforcing the belief that divine providence guides history toward its ultimate redemption. The account of #Abel of Beth Maacah, the wise woman who negotiates with Joab, underscores the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, a theme echoed in other biblical texts such as [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 15|Proverbs 15:1]]. Her intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed, highlighting the value of discernment and peaceful resolution. Overall, 2 Samuel 20 teaches about the complexity of human leadership under God's sovereignty, the inevitability of challenges to authority, and the necessity of wisdom in navigating conflict. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine guidance in leadership and governance, pointing to the ultimate reign of Christ, the perfect king, who will bring true peace and unity. ## Thematic Connections ### Leadership and Authority In 2 Samuel 20, the theme of leadership and authority is explored through the actions of #David and #Sheba. The chapter opens with Sheba, a Benjamite, challenging David’s authority, leading to a rebellion. This reflects the ongoing struggle for unity and the challenges of leadership that David faces throughout his reign, as seen in previous conflicts, such as the rebellion of [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 15|Absalom]]. The theme underscores the complexities of leadership in the face of dissent and the need for wise and decisive action. ### Division and Unity The division within #Israel is highlighted as Sheba calls the northern tribes to separate from David, saying, "We have no part in David" (2 Samuel 20:1). This echoes earlier tribal tensions and divisions that have been prevalent since the time of #Saul and continue to challenge the unity of the nation. The theme of division and the desire for unity is a recurring narrative in the history of Israel, as seen in the tribal conflicts in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 12]] and the eventual split of the kingdom in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]]. ### Justice and Retribution The pursuit of justice is a key theme as David sends #Amasa to gather the men of Judah to quell the rebellion. However, when Amasa delays, #Joab takes matters into his own hands, resulting in Amasa’s death. This act of retribution by Joab raises questions about justice and the means by which it is achieved, reflecting similar themes of vengeance and justice seen in the actions of #Absalom against #Amnon in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 13]]. The theme challenges the reader to consider the balance between justice, mercy, and the consequences of taking justice into one's own hands. ### Wisdom and Counsel The role of wisdom and counsel is highlighted through the actions of the wise woman of #Abel. Her intervention prevents further bloodshed by negotiating with Joab and delivering Sheba's head. This echoes the importance of wisdom in resolving conflict, as seen with the counsel of [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 25|Abigail]] who prevented David from committing bloodshed. It underscores the biblical theme that wise counsel and peacemaking are vital in navigating conflicts and achieving resolution. ### Loyalty and Betrayal Loyalty and betrayal are recurring themes in 2 Samuel 20. Sheba’s rebellion is an act of betrayal against David’s kingship, similar to previous betrayals by figures like [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 16|Ahithophel]] and Absalom. Conversely, the loyalty of #Joab, despite his violent methods, is evident as he remains committed to maintaining David's reign. The theme explores the complexities of relationships and the often-blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal in the political and personal spheres of David’s life. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Division of the Kingdom In 2 Samuel 20, we witness the rebellion of #Sheba against #KingDavid, which echoes the prophetic warnings of division within the kingdom of Israel. This event can be seen as a precursor to the eventual division of the united kingdom into #Israel and #Judah, as prophesied in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 11|1 Kings 11:11-13]]. The rebellion highlights the ongoing struggles for unity and leadership within the nation, foreshadowing the greater schism that would occur under #Rehoboam. ### The Preservation of David’s Line Despite the rebellion and ensuing chaos, the chapter underscores the preservation of David’s lineage, fulfilling God's promise to establish David's throne forever, as prophesied in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]]. The quelling of Sheba's revolt by Joab and the loyalty shown by David's followers emphasize God's continued faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring that his dynasty remains intact amidst turmoil. ### The Role of Joab The actions of #Joab in 2 Samuel 20 also serve to fulfill the prophetic narrative concerning the house of David. Joab's decisive leadership in quelling the rebellion ensures the stability of David's reign, aligning with the divine promise of protection and succession for David's house. This mirrors the role of key leaders and warriors throughout Israel's history, as seen in figures like [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1|Joshua]], who were instrumental in fulfilling God’s plans for His people. ## Verses - **2 Samuel 20:1** - "There happened to be a troublemaker there named Sheba son of Bichri, a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Sheba blew a ram’s horn and began to chant: 'Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Come on, you men of Israel, back to your homes!'" - #Sheba #Bichri #Benjamin #David #Jesse - See [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 22]] for more on David's lineage. - **2 Samuel 20:2** - "So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed with their king and escorted him from the Jordan River to Jerusalem." - #Israel #David #Judah #Jordan #Jerusalem - Reference [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 19]] for context on David's return to Jerusalem. - **2 Samuel 20:3** - "When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to look after the palace and placed them in seclusion. Their needs were provided for, but he no longer slept with them. So each of them lived like a widow until she died." - #David #Jerusalem #concubines - **2 Samuel 20:4** - "Then the king instructed Amasa, 'Mobilize the army of Judah within three days, and report back at that time.'" - #Amasa #Judah - See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 19]] for Amasa's appointment. - **2 Samuel 20:5** - "So Amasa went out to notify Judah, but it took him longer than the time he had been given." - #Amasa #Judah - **2 Samuel 20:6** - "Then David said to Abishai, 'Sheba son of Bichri is going to hurt us more than Absalom did. Quick, take my troops and chase after him before he gets into a fortified town where we can’t reach him.'" - #David #Abishai #Sheba #Bichri #Absalom - Compare with the rebellion of Absalom in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 15]]. - **2 Samuel 20:7** - "So Abishai and Joab, together with the king’s bodyguard and all the mighty warriors, set out from Jerusalem to go after Sheba." - #Abishai #Joab #Jerusalem #mighty warriors - **2 Samuel 20:8** - "As they arrived at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa met them. Joab was wearing his military tunic with a dagger strapped to his belt. As he stepped forward to greet Amasa, he slipped the dagger from its sheath." - #Gibeon #Amasa #Joab - **2 Samuel 20:9** - "How are you, my cousin?' Joab said and took him by the beard with his right hand as though to kiss him." - #Joab #Amasa - **2 Samuel 20:10** - "Amasa didn’t notice the dagger in his left hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it so that his insides gushed out onto the ground. Joab did not need to strike again, and Amasa soon died. Joab and his brother Abishai left him lying there and continued after Sheba." - #Amasa #Joab #Abishai - See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 3]] for Joab's previous actions. - **2 Samuel 20:11** - "One of Joab’s young men shouted to Amasa’s troops, 'If you are for Joab and David, come and follow Joab.'" - #Joab #David - **2 Samuel 20:12** - "But Amasa lay in his blood in the middle of the road. And Joab’s man saw that everyone was stopping to stare at him. So he pulled him off the road into a field and threw a cloak over him." - #Amasa #Joab - **2 Samuel 20:13** - "With Amasa’s body out of the way, everyone went on with Joab to capture Sheba son of Bichri." - #Amasa #Joab #Sheba #Bichri - **2 Samuel 20:14** - "Meanwhile, Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel and eventually came to the town of Abel-beth-maacah." - #Sheba #Israel #Abel-beth-maacah - **2 Samuel 20:15** - "When Joab’s forces arrived, they attacked Abel-beth-maacah. They built a siege ramp against the town’s fortifications and began battering down the wall." - #Joab #Abel-beth-maacah - **2 Samuel 20:16** - "But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, 'Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.'" - #Joab #wise woman - **2 Samuel 20:17** - "As he approached, the woman asked, 'Are you Joab?' 'I am,' he replied. So she said, 'Listen carefully to your servant.' 'I’m listening,' he said." - #Joab #wise woman - **2 Samuel 20:18** - "Then she continued, 'There used to be a saying, "If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel."" - #Abel-beth-maacah #wise woman - **2 Samuel 20:19** - "I am one who is peace-loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel. Why do you want to devour what belongs to the Lord?'" - #Israel #wise woman #the Lord - **2 Samuel 20:20** - "'Far be it from me!' Joab replied. 'Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!'" - #Joab - **2 Samuel 20:21** - "That is not my purpose. All I want is a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David. If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.' 'All right,' the woman replied, 'we will throw his head over the wall to you.'" - #Sheba #Bichri #Ephraim #David #Joab - **2 Samuel 20:22** - "Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off Sheba’s head and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and called his troops back from the attack. They all returned to their homes, and Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem." - #Sheba #wise woman #Joab #Jerusalem - **2 Samuel 20:23** - "Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard;" - #Joab #Benaiah #Jehoiada #Israel - **2 Samuel 20:24** - "Adoniram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian;" - #Adoniram #Jehoshaphat #Ahilud - **2 Samuel 20:25** - "Sheva was the court secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests;" - #Sheva #Zadok #Abiathar - **2 Samuel 20:26** - "and Ira a descendant of Jair was David’s personal priest." - #Ira #Jair #David ### Cross-References by Chapter - **David's Leadership** - [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 19]], [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 15]] - **Joab's Role** - [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 3]], [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 19]] - **Tribe of Benjamin** - [[Judges/Judges Chapter 20]], [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 9]]