2 Samuel 20:1

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2 Samuel 20:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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!”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And there happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew the trumpet, and said, We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now by chance there was present a good-for-nothing person named Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he, sounding the horn, said, We have no part in David, or any interest in the son of Jesse: let every man go to his tent, O Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

A rabble-rouser called Sheba, son of Bichri, from the tribe of Benjamin, happened to be there. He blew the ram's horn and shouted: “We have no interest in David, no commitment to Jesse's son. Israelites, let's all go home!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then there was come thither a wicked man (named Sheba the sonne of Bichri, a man of Iemini) and hee blew the trumpet, and saide, Wee haue no part in Dauid, neither haue we inheritance in the sonne of Ishai: euery man to his tents, O Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And there hath been called there a man of worthlessness, and his name [is] Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjamite, and he bloweth with a trumpet, and saith, 'We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; each to his tents, O Israel.'

World English Bible WEB

There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite: 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Seba, the son of Bochri, a man of Jemini: and he sounded the trumpet, and said: We have no part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Isai: return to thy dwellings, O Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

There was a man there at Gilgal named Sheba. He was a man who always caused trouble. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was the son of Bichri. He blew a trumpet and called out, “We have nothing to do with [DOU] David, that son of Jesse! So, men of Israel, let’s go to our homes!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 20:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/שָׁ֨ם נִקְרָ֜א אִ֣ישׁ בְּלִיַּ֗עַל וּ/שְׁמ֛/וֹ שֶׁ֥בַע בֶּן בִּכְרִ֖י אִ֣ישׁ יְמִינִ֑י וַ/יִּתְקַ֣ע בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֗ר וַ֠/יֹּאמֶר אֵֽין לָ֨/נוּ חֵ֜לֶק בְּ/דָוִ֗ד וְ/לֹ֤א נַֽחֲלָה לָ֨/נוּ֙ בְּ/בֶן יִשַׁ֔י אִ֥ישׁ לְ/אֹהָלָ֖י/ו יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וְ/שָׁ֨ם shâm H8033 there Conj | Adv

נִקְרָ֜א qârâʼ H7122 to encounter V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בְּלִיַּ֗עַל bᵉlîyaʻal H1100 Belial N-ms

וּ/שְׁמ֛/וֹ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms | Suff

שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7652 Sheba Adj

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

בִּכְרִ֖י Bikrîy H1075 Bichri N-proper

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יְמִינִ֑י Yᵉmîynîy H3228 Jaminite Ngmsa

וַ/יִּתְקַ֣ע tâqaʻ H8628 to blow Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֗ר shôwphâr H7782 trumpet Prep | N-ms

וַ֠/יֹּאמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵֽין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

לָ֨/נוּ Prep | Suff

חֵ֜לֶק chêleq H2506 portion N-ms

בְּ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

נַֽחֲלָה nachălâh H5159 inheritance N-fs

לָ֨/נוּ֙ Prep | Suff

בְּ/בֶן bên H1121 son Prep | N-ms

יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

לְ/אֹהָלָ֖י/ו ʼôhel H168 tent Prep | N-mp | Suff

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:1

וְ/שָׁ֨ם shâm H8033 "there" Conj | Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

נִקְרָ֜א qârâʼ H7122 "to encounter" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.

Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בְּלִיַּ֗עַל bᵉlîyaʻal H1100 "Belial" N-ms

Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.

Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.

וּ/שְׁמ֛/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

שֶׁ֥בַע shebaʻ H7652 "Sheba" Adj

Sheba refers to a place in Palestine and two Israelites, one of whom was a Gadite living during the Divided Monarchy. It means seven and is also the name of a town in Simeon.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Gad living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.5.13; son of: Abihail (H0032I); brother of: Michael (H4317H), Meshullam (H4918I), Jorai (H3140), Jacan (H3275), Zia (H2127) and Eber (H5677H) § Sheba = "seven" a town in Simeon

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Sheba. See also: Joshua 19:2; 2 Samuel 20:10; 1 Chronicles 5:13.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

בִּכְרִ֖י Bikrîy H1075 "Bichri" N-proper

Bichri was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, and his son Sheba is famous for rebelling against King David. The name Bichri means youthful, a characteristic of someone full of energy and life.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.20.1; father of: Sheba (H7652A) Also named: be.ri (בֵּרִים "Bichrite" H1276) § Bichri = "youthful" 1) a Benjamite, father of Sheba adj 2) (BDB) the Bichrites

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Bichri. See also: 2 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 20:10; 2 Samuel 20:22.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

יְמִינִ֑י Yᵉmîynîy H3228 "Jaminite" Ngmsa

A Jaminite is a descendant of Jamin, a man from the tribe of Simeon, first mentioned in Genesis 46:10. Jamin was the son of Simeon and had several brothers. The term Jaminite refers to his collective descendants.

Definition: Someone descended from Jamin who was a man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; son of: Simeon (H8095); brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199), Zerah (H2226L) and Shaul (H7586H) Group of ya.min (יָמִין "Jamin" H3226) § Jaminites , of Jamin "the right hand" the descendants of Jamin

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Jaminites. See also H1145 (בֶּן־יְמִינִי). See also: Numbers 26:12; 2 Samuel 20:1.

וַ/יִּתְקַ֣ע tâqaʻ H8628 "to blow" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.

Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.

בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֗ר shôwphâr H7782 "trumpet" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.

Definition: horn, ram's horn

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.

וַ֠/יֹּאמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵֽין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

לָ֨/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

חֵ֜לֶק chêleq H2506 "portion" N-ms

Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.

Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.

בְּ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נַֽחֲלָה nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" N-fs

Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.

Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion

Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.

לָ֨/נוּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

בְּ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-ms

Definition: : child/son

יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper

Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

לְ/אֹהָלָ֖י/ו ʼôhel H168 "tent" Prep | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:1

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Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 20:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:1
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:1
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1
Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:1

Context — Sheba’s Rebellion

1Now 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!”

2So 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. 3When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 12:16	When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,
2	2 Chronicles 10:16	When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home,
3	Deuteronomy 13:13	that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known),
4	Psalms 17:13	Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,
5	1 Samuel 30:22	but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.”
6	Proverbs 25:8	do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
7	Habakkuk 1:12–13	Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, You have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, You have established them for correction. Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
8	1 Samuel 22:7–8	Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”
9	2 Samuel 19:41–43	Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah pressed even harder than the men of Israel.
10	Psalms 34:19	Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

2 Samuel 20:1 Summary

This verse tells us about a man named Sheba who rebelled against King David, shouting that the people of Israel had no stake in following him. Sheba was trying to turn the people away from their rightful king, who had been appointed by God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This reminds us of the importance of respecting and obeying God's appointed authorities, as seen in Romans 13:1-7, and not following our own desires or ambitions. By staying loyal to God and His leaders, we can avoid the kind of rebellion and chaos that Sheba caused, and instead live in peace and harmony, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Sheba son of Bichri and why did he rebel against King David?

Sheba son of Bichri was a Benjamite who rebelled against King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:1, likely due to dissatisfaction with David's leadership or a desire for power, similar to the rebellion of Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:10-12.

What was the significance of blowing the ram's horn in this context?

Blowing the ram's horn was a call to action, signaling the start of a rebellion or a gathering of people, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:1, similar to the use of trumpets in Numbers 10:2-10 to signal the movement of the Israelites.

What did Sheba mean by 'We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse's son'?

Sheba was declaring that the people of Israel had no stake or benefit in following King David, who was a descendant of Jesse, and were instead being called to follow him, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:1, which was a rejection of God's appointed king, as established in 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David's reign?

This verse marks a turning point in King David's reign, as it shows the ongoing challenges he faced from rebellions and dissent, despite his efforts to follow God, as seen in 1 Samuel 30:6 and 2 Samuel 5:12, and ultimately points to the fulfillment of God's promises to him, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like Sheba, might be tempted to rebel against God's appointed authorities or leaders in my life?
How can I, like the men of Judah, remain loyal to God's appointed leaders, even in the face of challenges or difficulties, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:2?
What are some ways that I can be a positive influence on those around me, rather than leading them into rebellion or sin, as seen in Proverbs 11:30?
How can I cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God's will, rather than seeking to follow my own desires or ambitions, as seen in Psalm 37:7?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:1

And there happened to be a man of Belial,.... A wicked man, as the Targum, a lawless, yokeless man, that had cast off the yoke of the law, and was without it, as Belial is by some interpreted; or one

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:1

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1

2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 20 By occasion of this quarrel Sheba stirreth up Israel to sedition, ,2. David’ s ten concubines are shut up in perpetual prison, . Amasa is slain by Joab, . He and Abishai pursue Sheba unto Abel, . The citizens, by the advice of a wise woman, cut off his head, and cast it over the wall to Joab, . David’ s officers, . There happened to be there; his presence was casual in itself, though certain, and ordered by God’ s providence. Man of Belial; a lawless person, one that attempted to shake off the yoke of civil authority. See . Benjamite; aggrieved at the translation of the kingdom from Saul and that tribe to David. We have no part in David: the tribe of Judah have monopolized the king to themselves, and will not allow us any share in him; let them therefore enjoy him alone, and let us seek out a new king. The son of Jesse; an expression of contempt, implying their rejection of him, that he was no more to be owned as their king, but as a private person, as the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents; let us all desist from this unthankful office of bringing the king back, and go each to our homes, that we may consider, and then meet together to choose a new king.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1

2 Samuel 20:1 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.Ver. 1. And there happened to be there.] As all places are full of such beautefeaus and Belialists: so is hell too. God permitted, and the devil instigated this fellow to stir up this rebellion for a further correction to David; and, as some think, for his late unjust dealing with Mephibosheth. A man of Belial.] Iniquus et nebulo, flagellum Reip, et flabellum seditionis; such as amongst us were Jack Cade or Wat Tyler, who dared to say that all the laws of England should come out of his mouth. A Benjamite.] Of the house of Saul likely; and, as some think, one of Absalom’ s captains against David, even the next to Amasa. And he blew a trumpet.] Himself being Tuba rebellionis, blew a trumpet, that he might thereby assemble, and get audience among the discontented multitude, that shallow brained but great and many headed beast. We have no part in David,] viz., As the men of Judah say, - thus he maketh use of the late unhappy contention to advance his ambitious design of setting up himself or some other of his tribe, - let us therefore relinquish him as a stranger, and make a new choice of one that will care more for us. It vexed the ten tribes, perhaps, that David sent Zadok and Abiathar to the men of Judah, to persuade with them to fetch back the king, and not unto them, and that he seemed to incline rather to them than to the rest. A prince had need to carry an even hand over his subjects, of various nations especially; or else there will be somewhat to do with them; as was lately here with the English and Scots in King James’ s reign. Charles V is famous for this virtue, Ut qui singulis se parem immo patrem exhibebat. In the son of Jesse.] This expression savoureth of Saul, and of the old enmity. Every man to his tents, O Israel.] Look you to your business, and let him look to his. A Lapide.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1

(1) Sheba, the son of Bichri.—The English follows the ancient versions in taking Bichri as a proper name. Most recent commentators consider it as a patronymic, the Bichrite, i.e., of the family of Becher, the second son of Benjamin. He was, to this extent at least, of the same clan with Saul. He was there, at Gilgal, with the representatives of the ten tribes, and took advantage of the dispute just mentioned to renew the rebellion of Absalom. Every man to his tents.—Comp. the cry of Jeroboam as he inaugurated his rebellion (1 Kings 12:16). It was the signal of revolt.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1

CHAPTER XX Sheba raises an insurrection, and gains a party in Israel, 1, 2. David shuts up the ten concubines who were defiled by Absalom, 3. Amasa is sent to assemble the men of Judah, 4, 5. And in the mean time Abishai is sent to pursue Sheba, 6, 7. Joab treacherously murders Amasa, 8-12. Joab and the army continue the pursuit of Sheba, 13, 14. He is besieged in Abel; and, by the counsels of a wise woman, the people of Abel cut off his head, and throw it over the wall to Joab; who blows the trumpet of peace, and he and his men return to Jerusalem, 15-22. Account of David's civil and military officers, 23-26. NOTES ON CHAP. XX Verse 1. Sheba, the son of Bichri] As this man was a Benjamite, he probably belonged to the family of Saul; and he seems to have had considerable influence in Israel to raise such an insurrection: but we know nothing farther of him than what is related in this place. We have no part in David] We of Israel, we of the ten tribes, are under no obligation to the house of David. Leave him, and let every man fall into the ranks under his own leader.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:1

Ch. 20. Sheba’s Rebellion 1, 2. Fresh outbreak of rebellion, headed by Sheba 1. there] At Gilgal. The dispute offered an immediate opening to a bold and ambitious leader, who hoped to restore the sovereignty to the tribe of Benjamin. a man of Belial] A worthless or wicked man. Cp. 1 Samuel 10:27, and note on 1 Samuel 1:16. the son of Bichri] Rather, a Bichrite, or member of the clan tracing its descent from Becher the second son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21). part] Better, portion, a different word from that in ch. 2 Samuel 19:43, and the same as that in 1 Kings 12:16. the son of Jesse] There is a touch of contempt in this name for David. Cp. 1 Samuel 20:27; 1 Samuel 20:30-31; 1 Samuel 22:7-9; 1 Samuel 22:13; 1 Samuel 25:10. every man to his tents] Nominally a call to disperse and return to their homes (1 Samuel 13:2; 2 Samuel 18:17); really an invitation to join him in rebellion. The same words served as the signal for the revolt from Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:16).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:1

The son of Bichri ... - Rather, “a Bichrite,” formed like the names “Ahohite,” “Hachmonite,” etc. 2 Samuel 23:8-9, and so called from Becher, the son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21; 1 Chronicles 7:6-8 Saul was also of this family.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1

SHEBA’S , 2 Samuel 20:1-22. 1. A man of Belial — See note on 1 Samuel 1:16. A Benjamite — And therefore probably affected with strong desire to have his tribe recover the ascendency which it lost by the death of Saul.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:1

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 214 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns again
	Attributes of God (Series 1): The Holiness of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of conversion and laments its decline in society. He attributes this decline to the forgetting of God as the Holy One of Isra
	Why Does God Permit Evil in the World? by Charles E. Fuller	In this sermon, Dr. Charles E. discusses the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. He begins by referencing the familiar song "Jesus Saves" and asks the audience if they have heard it. He
	Attributes of God - Holiness Righteousness and Soveriegnty by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of beauty and how it is often used to judge people's worth. He emphasizes that Jesus, despite not having physical beauty, came in
	The Attributes of God - Part 2 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing a hymn that praises God and emphasizes peace, love, honor, and joy. The sermon then focuses on the holine
	The God of the Bible - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the concept of time and its significance in our lives. He emphasizes that everything in the physical world, including our lives, has a begi
	Concerning the Place of the Messiah's Birth. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the prophetic significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, citing Micah 5:2 to affirm that Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He argues that the expe