Key Figures — 2 Samuel 20

5 figures

1. Sheba son of Bichri

   Rebel leader against King David.

   Sheba, a Benjamite, instigated a rebellion against King David, declaring that they had no part in David's kingdom. His actions led to a pursuit by David's forces.

   Related passages

   • 2 Samuel 19 (Context of the division among the tribes of Israel)
   • 1 Kings 11:26-40 (Rebellion of Jeroboam, another instance of division in the kingdom)

   • #Sheba
   • #Rebellion
   • #Division

2. Joab

   Commander of David's army.

   Joab, despite being replaced by Amasa, took matters into his own hands by killing Amasa and leading the pursuit against Sheba, ultimately quelling the rebellion.

   Related passages

   • 2 Samuel 3:27 (Joab's previous act of violence against Abner)
   • 1 Kings 2:5-6 (David's instructions to Solomon regarding Joab)

   • #Joab
   • #Commander
   • #Violence

3. Amasa

   Appointed commander of David's army.

   Amasa was appointed by David to replace Joab but was killed by Joab during the pursuit of Sheba, highlighting the internal strife and power struggles within David's ranks.

   Related passages

   • 2 Samuel 17:25 (Amasa's initial appointment)
   • 1 Chronicles 2:17 (Amasa's family background)

   • #Amasa
   • #Betrayal
   • #Leadership

4. The Wise Woman of Abel

   Mediator and peacemaker.

   The wise woman of Abel negotiated with Joab to save her city by delivering Sheba's head, demonstrating wisdom and the power of peaceful resolution.

   Related passages

   • 2 Samuel 14:2 (Another wise woman from Tekoa)
   • Proverbs 14:1 (Wisdom of women in building up their homes)

   • #WiseWoman
   • #Peacemaker
   • #Wisdom

5. David

   King of Israel.

   David's leadership is tested by Sheba's rebellion, and he navigates the complexities of loyalty and power within his kingdom.

   Related passages

   • 2 Samuel 15-18 (Absalom's rebellion)
   • 1 Kings 2:1-12 (David's final instructions to Solomon)

   • #David
   • #King
   • #Leadership

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