2 Samuel 20:21

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."

Study Bible

That is not the case.
This phrase indicates a clarification or correction of a misunderstanding. In the context of 2 Samuel 20, Joab, David's military commander, is addressing the people of the city of Abel Beth Maacah. The situation involves a rebellion led by Sheba, and Joab is making it clear that his intent is not to destroy the city but to deal with the rebel.

But a man named Sheba son of Bichri,
Sheba is identified as the instigator of the rebellion against King David. He is described as a "worthless man" earlier in the chapter, indicating his character and the threat he poses. His lineage, "son of Bichri," ties him to the tribe of Benjamin, which had historical tensions with the tribe of Judah, David's tribe.

from the hill country of Ephraim,
This geographical reference is significant as it situates Sheba within the northern tribes of Israel. Ephraim was a powerful tribe and often seen as a leader among the northern tribes. This location underscores the division between the northern and southern tribes, a recurring theme in Israel's history.

has lifted up his hand against the king, against David.
"Lifting up his hand" is a phrase denoting rebellion or insurrection. Sheba's actions are a direct challenge to David's authority as king. This rebellion follows the earlier revolt of Absalom, David's son, highlighting the ongoing instability in David's reign and the challenges to his kingship.

Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.”
Joab's demand is straightforward: hand over Sheba, and the city will be spared. This reflects a common practice in ancient warfare where a single individual could be sacrificed to save a larger group. It also shows Joab's strategic thinking, focusing on the root of the problem rather than unnecessary destruction.

“Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”
The wise woman's response demonstrates her quick thinking and leadership. By agreeing to Joab's terms, she acts to protect her city. The act of throwing Sheba's head over the wall is a graphic but effective way to show compliance and resolve the conflict. This incident highlights the role of women in biblical narratives as peacemakers and problem solvers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sheba son of Bichri
A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, causing division in Israel.

2. Joab
The commander of David's army, tasked with quelling Sheba's rebellion.

3. The Wise Woman of Abel
A woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah who negotiates with Joab to save her city.

4. Abel Beth Maacah
A fortified city in northern Israel where Sheba sought refuge.

5. King David
The anointed king of Israel, against whom Sheba rebelled.

Teaching Points

The Power of Wisdom and Negotiation
The wise woman of Abel demonstrates how wisdom and negotiation can prevent unnecessary violence and save lives. In our lives, we should seek peaceful resolutions and use wisdom to address conflicts.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Sheba's rebellion against King David serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying God-ordained authority. We should respect and uphold the authorities God has placed in our lives, understanding the potential consequences of rebellion.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
The wise woman's pivotal role in resolving the conflict highlights the significant impact women can have in God's plan. We should recognize and value the contributions of women in our communities and churches.

The Importance of Justice
Joab's demand for Sheba alone reflects a pursuit of justice rather than indiscriminate punishment. In our dealings, we should strive for justice that is fair and targeted, avoiding collateral damage.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the wise woman's approach to Joab reflect the biblical principle of peacemaking, and how can we apply this in our daily conflicts?

2. In what ways does Sheba's rebellion against King David illustrate the dangers of rejecting God-given authority, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our lives?

3. How does the account of the wise woman of Abel compare to other biblical accounts of women who played crucial roles in God's plan, such as Deborah or Esther?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joab's demand for justice in dealing with Sheba, and how can we apply these principles in our pursuit of justice today?

5. How can the account of Sheba and the wise woman of Abel inspire us to use our influence and wisdom to bring about positive change in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 25
The account of Abigail, another wise woman who intervened to prevent bloodshed, parallels the wise woman's actions in Abel.

Proverbs 21:22
This verse speaks to the wisdom that can overcome physical strength, as demonstrated by the wise woman's negotiation.

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on peacemakers can be seen in the actions of the wise woman who sought to prevent destruction.