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2 Samuel 20

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‹ Chapter 19 2 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

1 Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!" 2 So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. 3 When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to care for the palace, and he placed them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. They were confined until the day of their death, living as widows. 4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself." 5 So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. 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, or he will find fortified cities and elude us. “ 7 So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. 8 And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. 9 “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. 10 Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. 11 One of Joab’s young men stood near Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!" 12 But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the road, and when the man saw that all the troops were stopping there, he dragged the body off the road into a field and threw a garment over it. 13 As soon as Amasa’s body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri. 14 Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. 15 And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it, 16 a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him." 17 When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. 18 Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. 19 I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?" 20 “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall." 22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. 23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; 24 Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25 Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 26 and Ira the Jairite was David’s priest.

‹ Chapter 19 2 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the rebellion of Sheba, who convinces many Israelites to follow him against King David (2 Samuel 20:1-2). David's army, led by Joab, pursues Sheba, and after a wise woman from Abel-beth-maacah negotiates with Joab, the city is spared and Sheba is beheaded (2 Samuel 20:14-22). Meanwhile, Amasa, who had been appointed by David to lead the army, is murdered by Joab (2 Samuel 20:8-10). The chapter ends with David re-establishing his administration and appointing new leaders (2 Samuel 20:23-26). Throughout the chapter, we see David's leadership and the loyalty of his men, as well as the consequences of rebellion and the importance of wisdom and diplomacy.

Context for the Chapter

2 Samuel 20 is part of the larger narrative of David's reign as king of Israel. The chapter follows the events of 2 Samuel 19, where David returns to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. The chapter also sets the stage for the events of 2 Samuel 21-24, where David deals with the consequences of his sin and the challenges of his later years as king. In the larger biblical narrative, 2 Samuel 20 is part of the story of God's kingdom and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to His people.

Heart Application

As we reflect on 2 Samuel 20, we are reminded of the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's anointed leaders. We must be careful to submit to Christ's authority in our lives and to remain faithful to Him, even in the face of challenges and opposition. We must also seek wisdom and guidance from God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

2 Samuel 20 is about a man named Sheba who rebels against King David. David's army pursues Sheba, and he is eventually killed. The chapter teaches us about the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's leaders, and the dangers of rebellion. As we see in 2 Samuel 20:1, rebellion against God's anointed leader is a serious offense, and we must be careful to submit to Christ's authority in our lives.

Voices from the Church

“The rebellion of Sheba is a reminder that the heart of man is deceitful above all things, and that we must always be on guard against the temptation to rebel against God's authority.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The wisdom of the woman from Abel-beth-maacah is a testament to the importance of seeking guidance from God and trusting in His sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20:1-2) — Sheba, a Benjaminite, rebels against King David and convinces many Israelites to follow him.
  2. The Pursuit of Sheba (2 Samuel 20:3-13) — David's army, led by Joab, pursues Sheba and his followers.
  3. The Wisdom of the Woman from Abel-beth-maacah (2 Samuel 20:14-22) — A wise woman from Abel-beth-maacah negotiates with Joab and convinces her city to surrender Sheba, saving them from destruction.
  4. The Death of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:8-10) — Amasa, who had been appointed by David to lead the army, is murdered by Joab.
  5. The Re-establishment of David's Administration (2 Samuel 20:23-26) — David re-establishes his administration and appoints new leaders, including Ira the Jairite as his priest.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
2 Samuel 20 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things and works out His purposes in the lives of His people. We see how God uses the rebellion of Sheba to test David's leadership and to bring about a greater good.
The Importance of Loyalty
The chapter emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God's anointed leaders, and the rewards that come from remaining faithful to Him. We see how David's men are rewarded for their loyalty, while those who rebel against him are punished.
The Dangers of Rebellion
2 Samuel 20 warns us about the dangers of rebellion against God's authority, and the consequences that follow. We see how Sheba's rebellion leads to division and violence, and how it ultimately ends in his defeat and death.
The Importance of Wisdom
The chapter teaches us about the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. We see how the wise woman from Abel-beth-maacah uses her wisdom to save her city from destruction.

Lessons from 2 Samuel 20

  1. The Importance of Loyalty — The chapter teaches us about the importance of loyalty to God's anointed leaders, and the rewards that come from remaining faithful to Him.
  2. The Dangers of Rebellion — 2 Samuel 20 warns us about the dangers of rebellion against God's authority, and the consequences that follow.
  3. The Importance of Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — 2 Samuel 20 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things and works out His purposes in the lives of His people.
  5. The Role of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of wise and faithful leadership, and the impact that this can have on the lives of others.

Themes from 2 Samuel 20

  1. Rebellion and Faithfulness — The chapter explores the themes of rebellion and faithfulness, highlighting the dangers of rebellion and the rewards of loyalty and obedience.
  2. Wisdom and Diplomacy — 2 Samuel 20 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in leadership, as seen in the wise woman's negotiations with Joab and David's strategic decisions.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things and works out His purposes in the lives of His people.
  4. The Importance of Loyalty — The chapter highlights the importance of loyalty to God's anointed leaders, and the rewards that come from remaining faithful to Him.
  5. The Role of Leadership — The chapter explores the role of leadership, highlighting the importance of wise and faithful leaders who trust in God and seek His guidance.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from the rebellion of Sheba, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does the wisdom of the woman from Abel-beth-maacah demonstrate the importance of seeking guidance from God?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's leaders?
  4. How does the chapter illustrate the sovereignty of God, and what implications does this have for our understanding of His character and purposes?
  5. What role does Joab play in the chapter, and what can we learn from his actions and motivations?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20:1-2)

20:1 Sheba, a Benjaminite, rebels against King David and convinces many Israelites to follow him.
20:2 The Israelites desert David and follow Sheba, while the men of Judah remain loyal to their king.

2. The Pursuit of Sheba (2 Samuel 20:3-13)

20:3 David returns to Jerusalem and takes the ten concubines whom he had left to keep the house, and puts them in a house under guard and provides for them, but does not go in to them.
20:4 Then the king said to Amasa, 'Call the men of Judah together for me within three days, and be present yourself.'
20:5 So Amasa went to call the men of Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time which had been appointed him.

3. The Wisdom of the Woman from Abel-beth-maacah (2 Samuel 20:14-22)

20:14 And Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah and all the Berites assembled and followed him in.
20:15 So they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood in the moat; and all the people who were with Joab were battering the wall to throw it down.

4. The Death of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:8-10)

20:8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing his military attire, and at his waist in its sheath was a belt with a sword in it, and he went out to meet Amasa.
20:9 And Joab said to Amasa, 'Is it well with you, my brother?' And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

5. The Re-establishment of David's Administration (2 Samuel 20:23-26)

20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites.
20:24 And Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of 2 Samuel 20?

2 Samuel 20 is part of the larger narrative of David's reign as king of Israel, and follows the events of 2 Samuel 19, where David returns to Jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalom. The chapter sets the stage for the events of 2 Samuel 21-24, where David deals with the consequences of his sin and the challenges of his later years as king.

Who is Sheba, and why does he rebel against David?

Sheba is a Benjaminite who rebels against King David, convincing many Israelites to follow him. The reasons for his rebellion are not explicitly stated in the chapter, but it may be related to the ongoing tensions between the tribes of Israel and the kingdom of Judah.

What is the significance of the wise woman from Abel-beth-maacah?

The wise woman from Abel-beth-maacah plays a crucial role in the chapter, using her wisdom and diplomacy to save her city from destruction. Her actions demonstrate the importance of seeking guidance from God and trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Samuel 20:1 → 1 Kings 12:16 The rebellion of Sheba is similar to the rebellion of the ten tribes against Rehoboam, which led to the division of the kingdom.
2 2 Samuel 20:3 → Deuteronomy 17:17 David's actions in taking the ten concubines whom he had left to keep the house are in accordance with the law, which prohibits the king from taking multiple wives.
3 2 Samuel 20:8 → 2 Samuel 3:27 The death of Amasa is similar to the death of Abner, who was also murdered by Joab.
4 2 Samuel 20:14 → Judges 20:1 The city of Abel-beth-maacah is also mentioned in the book of Judges, where it is the site of a battle between the Israelites and the Benjaminites.
5 2 Samuel 20:16 → Proverbs 24:6 The wise woman's use of wisdom and diplomacy to save her city is in accordance with the biblical principle that wisdom is better than strength or violence.
6 2 Samuel 20:22 → Matthew 7:24-27 The wise woman's actions demonstrate the importance of building one's house on the rock, rather than on the sand.
7 2 Samuel 20:23 → 1 Chronicles 18:15 The re-establishment of David's administration is also mentioned in the book of 1 Chronicles, where it is seen as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His people.
8 2 Samuel 20:25 → Romans 13:1-7 The appointment of new leaders, including Ira the Jairite as David's priest, demonstrates the importance of submitting to authority and respecting the institutions that God has established.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 20

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Bible about a wise woman who saves her city from a siege. The woman approaches Joab, a military leader, and proposes a solut
Anton Bosch Loyalty by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch preaches on the profound friendship between David and Jonathan, emphasizing their unwavering loyalty to each other despite challenging circumstances. This loyalty exten
James Smith A Kind Inquiry by James Smith James Smith preaches on the deceitful nature of kind words from cruel hearts, using the treacherous act of Joab towards Amasa as an example. He emphasizes the importance of spiritu
F.B. Meyer The Men of Judah Clave Unto Their King. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of steadfast loyalty to Jesus, drawing parallels between the men of Judah who clave unto their king and the biblical figures of Ruth and Naomi.

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Samuel 20

In this chapter, we see the rebellion of Sheba, a Benjaminite, against King David, and the pursuit of Sheba by David's army. The chapter teaches us about the importance of loyalty and obedience to God's anointed leaders, and the dangers of rebellion. We also see the wisdom and diplomacy of the woman from Abel-beth-maacah, who saves her city from destruction. The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things and works out His purposes in the lives of His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord is known by the judgment which he executes, and his people are preserved and protected by his providence.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Dangers of Rebellion

The chapter highlights the dangers of rebellion against God's anointed leader, and the consequences that follow. We see how Sheba's rebellion leads to division and violence, and how it ultimately ends in his defeat and death.

The Importance of Wisdom

The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom in leadership, as seen in the wise woman's negotiations with Joab and David's strategic decisions. We see how wisdom can lead to peace and prosperity, while foolishness leads to conflict and destruction.

The Rewards of Loyalty

The chapter highlights the importance of loyalty to God's anointed leader, and the rewards that come from remaining faithful to Him. We see how David's men are rewarded for their loyalty, while those who rebel against him are punished.

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