2 Samuel 20:14 - Meaning and Application

We have here the end of Sheba’s rebellion attempt.

Sheba, the rebel, went through all the tribes of Israel. But he found they were not as ready to follow him on reflection as they had been to leave David in a sudden fit of anger. So in the end, he gathered only a few followers like himself, and then went into Abel-Beth-maacah, a strong city in the north, in the land of Naphtali, where this city is also mentioned (2 Kings 15:29). It is not clear whether he entered by force or was allowed in. His followers were mostly Berites, people from Beeroth in Benjamin (2 Samuel 20:14). One bad man can often find or stir up more trouble.

Joab drew up his whole army against the city, laid siege to it, battered its wall, and almost made it ready for a full attack (2 Samuel 20:15). It is only right that a place is attacked with such force when it gives shelter to a traitor. In the same way, a heart that welcomes rebellious desires will not escape judgment either, those desires that refuse to let Christ rule.

Then a wise and good woman from Abel brought the matter to a good end by acting with great judgment. She satisfied Joab and saved the city.

First, she made terms with Joab, and he agreed to lift the siege if Sheba was handed over. It seems that none of the men of Abel, not even the elders or leaders, came forward to speak with Joab, even when they were in the worst danger. They may have been careless about the city’s safety, afraid of Sheba, hopeless about getting fair terms, or simply unable to manage the talks. But this one woman, through her wisdom, saved the city. Souls are not divided by sex. Though the man is the head, that does not mean he has a monopoly on wisdom, and he should not claim a monopoly on rule either. Many women have shown strength of mind, even more than men, and wisdom is no less precious when it is kept in a weaker vessel.

In her talk with Joab, she first gained his attention and heard him out, (2 Samuel 20:16, 17). We may suppose it was the first time he had ever negotiated with a woman in military matters. She then reasoned with him very skillfully on behalf of her city. She said, first, that it was a city known for wisdom (2 Samuel 20:18). In other words, it had long been known for wise and understanding people, so much so that the people around them often came for help, and all agreed to accept the decision of its elders. Their judgment was treated like an oracle. Why, then, should such a city be destroyed without even being consulted?

She also said that the people living there were usually peaceful and faithful in Israel (2 Samuel 20:19). She could speak not only for herself, but for all those she represented. They were not rebellious or quarrelsome people, but known for loyalty to their king and for peace with their neighbors. They were neither troublemakers nor people who loved lawsuits. She also called the city a mother in Israel, a guide and support for the towns and countryside around it, and part of the Lord’s own inheritance, a city of Israelites, not of pagans. If it were destroyed, that would weaken the nation God had chosen for his own possession. She further reminded Joab that, by the common rule of war, he should have offered peace before attacking them (Deuteronomy 20:10). The margin reads, “They surely asked at the beginning,” meaning, “The attackers should have demanded the traitor from us first, and we would have settled the matter.” In this way, she gently blamed Joab for not first offering peace, while still hoping it was not too late to ask for it.

Joab and the woman soon agreed that Sheba’s head would be the price of the city’s safety. Joab had recently, in a personal quarrel, crushed and killed Amasa, but when he acted as a commander, he did not want to be thought of as someone who loved bloodshed. He said, in effect, “Far be it from me to destroy or swallow up a city unless public safety truly requires it” (2 Samuel 20:20). “The matter is not as you think. We are not fighting your city. We would risk our lives to protect it. We are only after the traitor among you. Hand him over, and the matter is finished.” Much trouble would be prevented if opposing sides understood one another better. The city kept resisting because it thought Joab meant to destroy it. Joab attacked fiercely because he thought all the citizens were joined with Sheba. Both were mistaken. If both sides had understood the truth, the matter would have been settled quickly. The only condition for peace was surrendering the traitor. It is much the same in God’s dealings with the soul when it is pressed by conviction and distress: sin is the traitor, the beloved sin is the rebel. Give that up, cast away the sin, and all will be well. There is no peace on any other terms. The wise woman immediately accepted the proposal: Sheba’s head would be thrown over at once.

Then she made her agreement with the people of the city. She went to them in wisdom, and perhaps she needed as much wisdom in dealing with them as she had with Joab. She persuaded them to cut off Sheba’s head, probably by public order from their leaders, and it was thrown over the wall to Joab. Joab knew the traitor’s face, so he did not look for any of his followers. He did not want innocent people punished. The public safety was secured, and he had no wish to feed public revenge. Then Joab lifted the siege and returned to Jerusalem, carrying away the signs of peace rather than the spoils of war.