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2 Samuel 20 The Defeat of Absalom

1 Sheba Rebels Against David
Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bicri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted,
“We have no share in David,
no part 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 Bicri. 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 take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but did not lie with them. They were kept in confinement till 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 But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him.

6 David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master’s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.”

7 So Joab’s men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.

8 While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath.

9 Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

10 Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bicri.

11 One of Joab’s men stood beside Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!”

12 Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the road, and the man saw that all the troops came to a halt there. When he realized that everyone who came up to Amasa stopped, he dragged him from the road into a field and threw a garment over him.

13 After Amasa had been removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.

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 All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down,

16 a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.”

17 He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?”
“I am,” he answered.
She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.”
“I’m listening,” he said.

18 She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it.

19 We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?”

20 “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!

21 That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bicri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.”
The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”

22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.

23 Joab was over Israel’s entire army; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites;

24 Adoniram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

25 Sheva was secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

26 and Ira the Jairite was David’s priest.

Previous Chapter 2 Samuel 19 Next Chapter 2 Samuel 21

Analysis of 2 Samuel Chapter 20

The 20th chapter of 2 Samuel is a rich and complex text that offers profound insights into the nature of political intrigue, loyalty, leadership, and the dynamics of power in ancient Israel. This analysis delves deep into the chapter, unraveling its historical context, literary elements, and theological significance to offer a comprehensive understanding of the narrative’s underlying messages.

Context and Overview

This chapter follows the rebellion of Sheba, a Benjamite, who challenges King David’s authority by inciting a revolt among the northern tribes of Israel. The rebellion occurs shortly after the quelling of Absalom’s revolt, underscoring the continuing instability in David’s kingdom. The chapter begins with Sheba’s declaration, “We have no share in David, nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!” (2 Samuel 20:1). This proclamation effectively sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and the efforts to suppress the rebellion.

Key Themes and Analysis

1. Political Instability and Division

The rebellion of Sheba signifies a critical moment of political instability in David’s reign. This division hints at the deep-seated tensions between the northern tribes of Israel and the tribe of Judah. Sheba’s declaration and the ease with which he garners support reflect the fragility of the united kingdom that David rules. The tribal divisions predate David’s reign, yet this chapter illuminates how these divisions continue to pose significant challenges to a centralized monarchy.

It’s important to note that the phrase “every man to his tents, O Israel!” resonates with the earlier rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15) and anticipates the later schism that will ultimately lead to the division of the kingdom under David’s grandson, Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). This pattern of division underscores the recurring theme of factionalism in Israel’s history, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining unity amid diverse and sometimes conflicting interests.

2. The Role of Leadership and Loyalty

David’s leadership is put to the test once more as he navigates the complexities of quelling yet another rebellion. Analyzing how David handles this crisis offers valuable insights into his qualities as a leader. David’s decision to appoint Amasa, the former commander of Absalom’s army, as his general over Joab, indicates a strategic move to foster reconciliation and unity (2 Samuel 20:4). However, Amasa’s delay in mobilizing the troops leads to his tragic downfall, orchestrated by Joab (2 Samuel 20:8-10).

Joab’s actions reveal a ruthless pragmatism. By eliminating Amasa, Joab not only removes a potential rival but reasserts his own authority as the commander of the king’s army. Joab’s loyalty to David is juxtaposed with his personal ambition, creating a complex character who is both fiercely loyal and dangerously self-serving. This complexity is evident in the broader narrative of Joab’s interactions with David, highlighting the nuanced nature of loyalty in the context of political power.

3. Strategies of Conflict Resolution

The manner in which Sheba’s rebellion is ultimately quelled provides an intriguing study in conflict resolution. Joab and his forces besiege the city of Abel Beth Maacah, where Sheba has taken refuge. Instead of a prolonged siege, a wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, offering to deliver Sheba’s head in exchange for sparing the city (2 Samuel 20:16-22). This interaction underscores several key points:

  1. The Role of Wisdom in Conflict Resolution: The wise woman’s intervention highlights the importance of wisdom and negotiation in resolving conflicts. Her actions not only save the city but also demonstrate a pragmatic approach to achieving peace.
  2. Negotiation and Collaboration: The resolution of the conflict through negotiation and collaboration underscores a recurring biblical theme that peaceful solutions, often facilitated by wise intermediaries, are preferable to violence and destruction.
  3. Justice and Accountability: The beheading of Sheba signifies a measure of justice, holding the instigator of the rebellion accountable. Yet, it also raises questions about the ethics of such a resolution and the cost of maintaining political stability.

4. Theological and Moral Reflections

The events of 2 Samuel 20 also bear significant theological and moral implications. The chapter explores themes of justice, loyalty, and divine providence in the unfolding narrative of David’s reign. From a theological perspective, David’s kingship is seen as part of God’s broader covenantal plan for Israel. The challenges and rebellions he faces serve to test and reinforce the legitimacy of his rule.

Moreover, the chapter presents a moral reflection on the nature of power and authority. The actions of Joab and the wise woman reveal different facets of moral decision-making, ranging from the ruthlessness of political pragmatism to the wisdom of peaceful negotiation. These characters’ choices invite readers to consider the ethical dimensions of leadership and the pursuit of justice.

Verse-by-Verse Interpretation

To enrich this analysis, a verse-by-verse interpretation offers detailed insights into the text:

2 Samuel 20:1: “Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, ‘We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!’

This verse introduces Sheba, emphasizing his identity as a Benjamite. His proclamation signifies a clear rejection of David’s rule, appealing to tribal loyalties and discontent.

2 Samuel 20:2: “So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.”

The division between Israel and Judah is starkly portrayed here, underscoring the existing regional and tribal tensions that David must navigate.

2 Samuel 20:4-5: “Then the king said to Amasa, ‘Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.’ But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him.”

David’s instruction to Amasa and the latter’s delay highlight the challenges in coordinating military efforts and the urgency of addressing the rebellion. Amasa’s delay sets the stage for his confrontation with Joab.

2 Samuel 20:8-10: “While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath. Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bikri.”

This passage details Joab’s betrayal and assassination of Amasa, starkly illustrating Joab’s ruthless nature and his determination to maintain his own power.

2 Samuel 20:16: “A wise woman called from the city, ‘Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.'”

The introduction of the wise woman signifies a turning point. Her intervention highlights the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

2 Samuel 20:20-22: “Joab answered, ‘Far be it from me! Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.’ The woman said to Joab, ‘His head will be thrown to you from the wall.’ Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.”

This culmination reflects the effectiveness of negotiation and highlights the tension between justice and expediency. The wise woman’s actions also emphasize the value of female agency and wisdom in biblical narratives.

Conclusion

2 Samuel Chapter 20 presents a multifaceted exploration of leadership, loyalty, conflict, and resolution. Through the characters of David, Joab, Amasa, Sheba, and the wise woman, the narrative delves into the complexities of maintaining a unified kingdom amid deep-seated divisions and personal ambitions. The chapter’s theological and moral dimensions invite readers to consider the nature of justice, the role of wisdom, and the ethical challenges of leadership.

By offering both a macro and micro-level analysis, this examination of 2 Samuel Chapter 20 provides a comprehensive understanding of its content, contextual relevance, and enduring significance. The chapter stands as a testament to the perpetual struggle for unity, the necessity of wise counsel, and the intricate dance of power and loyalty in the tapestry of Israel’s history.