2 Samuel 20:2

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.

Study Bible

So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri.
This phrase highlights a significant moment of division within the kingdom of Israel. The men of Israel, representing the ten northern tribes, chose to follow Sheba, a Benjamite, in rebellion against King David. This reflects ongoing tensions between the northern tribes and the tribe of Judah, which had been evident since the time of Saul. The rebellion led by Sheba can be seen as a continuation of the unrest that followed Absalom's revolt. Sheba's actions are reminiscent of the earlier division between Saul and David, where tribal loyalties were often in conflict. This division foreshadows the eventual split of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, as seen in 1 Kings 12. The choice to follow Sheba indicates a lack of unity and a susceptibility to charismatic leaders who oppose the Davidic line, which is a recurring theme in Israel's history.

But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
In contrast to the northern tribes, the men of Judah remained loyal to David. This loyalty underscores the strong bond between David and his own tribe, which had first anointed him as king in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). The phrase "all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem" suggests a steadfast commitment, as they accompanied David from the point of crossing the Jordan River back to his capital. This journey symbolizes a return to stability and order after the chaos of Absalom's rebellion. The loyalty of Judah is significant in the biblical narrative, as it emphasizes the importance of the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's line would endure (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant is central to the messianic hope, as it is through David's lineage that Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, would come. The faithfulness of Judah to David prefigures the faithfulness of believers to Christ, the true King.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, anointed by God, who is facing rebellion from within his kingdom.

2. Sheba son of Bichri
A Benjamite who instigates a rebellion against King David, leading the men of Israel away.

3. Men of Israel
The northern tribes of Israel who choose to follow Sheba in rebellion against David.

4. Men of Judah
The tribe loyal to David, remaining with him from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

5. Jordan to Jerusalem
The geographical journey indicating the loyalty of the men of Judah to David, emphasizing the division within the kingdom.

Teaching Points

Loyalty and Division
The passage highlights the importance of loyalty to God-appointed leadership and the dangers of division within the community of believers.

Consequences of Rebellion
Rebellion against God’s anointed leaders can lead to chaos and instability, both in ancient Israel and in the church today.

Unity in Diversity
Despite differences, unity among believers is crucial for the health and mission of the church.

Discernment in Leadership
Believers must discern and follow godly leadership, recognizing the potential for false leaders to lead them astray.

Faithfulness in Trials
The men of Judah exemplify faithfulness to their king, a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith during challenging times.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the men of Israel to follow Sheba instead of remaining loyal to David, and how can we guard against similar influences in our lives?

2. How does the loyalty of the men of Judah to David inspire us to remain faithful to our commitments, especially in our spiritual walk?

3. In what ways can division within the church today mirror the division seen in 2 Samuel 20, and how can we work towards unity?

4. How do the events of 2 Samuel 20 illustrate the importance of godly leadership, and what qualities should we look for in leaders we choose to follow?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between loyalty and rebellion. What did you learn from that experience, and how does it relate to the teachings of this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
The division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam echoes the tribal tensions seen in 2 Samuel 20.

Psalm 133
Highlights the beauty and importance of unity among God's people, contrasting the division seen in this passage.

Matthew 12:25
Jesus speaks about a kingdom divided against itself, which cannot stand, reflecting the instability caused by Sheba's rebellion.

Romans 13:1-2
Discusses the importance of submitting to governing authorities, relevant to the rebellion against David.

James 4:1-2
Addresses the root causes of conflicts and divisions, applicable to the motivations behind Sheba's rebellion.