2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram's horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.

Study Bible

Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel
The woman referred to here is a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah. In ancient Israel, women sometimes played significant roles in diplomacy and conflict resolution, as seen with Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Her wisdom is highlighted, suggesting she was respected and had influence over the city's inhabitants. This reflects the cultural context where wisdom was highly valued, and elders or wise individuals often mediated disputes. Her actions align with Proverbs 14:1, which speaks of a wise woman building her house.

and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab
Sheba, a Benjamite, had rebelled against King David, declaring, "We have no share in David" (2 Samuel 20:1). His rebellion threatened the unity of Israel. The act of beheading Sheba and throwing his head to Joab was a decisive and brutal method to end the rebellion, common in ancient Near Eastern warfare. This act also fulfilled the woman's promise to Joab, demonstrating the seriousness with which the people of Abel Beth Maacah took her counsel. It reflects the harsh realities of justice and loyalty in the historical context of Israel's monarchy.

So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, was a signal for various purposes, including the end of a battle or assembly (Joshua 6:5). Here, it signifies the cessation of hostilities and the successful resolution of the conflict. The dispersal of Joab's men indicates the restoration of peace and order. This action underscores the importance of the shofar in Israelite culture as a tool for communication and divine intervention, as seen in the fall of Jericho.

And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem
Joab, the commander of David's army, was a central figure in maintaining the king's power. His return to Jerusalem signifies the restoration of David's authority and the end of the immediate threat to his reign. Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, was where David's throne was established, fulfilling God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16. Joab's loyalty, despite his often ruthless methods, was crucial in securing David's kingdom, reflecting the complex nature of leadership and loyalty in biblical narratives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wise Woman
An unnamed woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah who uses her wisdom to save her city by negotiating with Joab.

2. Sheba son of Bichri
A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, declaring, "We have no share in David."

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

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

5. King David
The reigning king of Israel during this event, though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the broader account.

Teaching Points

The Power of Wisdom
The wise woman's counsel demonstrates the profound impact that wisdom can have in resolving conflict and bringing peace. In our lives, seeking and applying godly wisdom can lead to peaceful resolutions in difficult situations.

Courage in Action
The woman’s boldness in approaching Joab and negotiating for her city’s safety is a testament to the courage that often accompanies wisdom. We are encouraged to act courageously when standing for what is right.

The Role of Peacemakers
The woman acts as a peacemaker, preventing further bloodshed. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in our communities, reflecting Christ’s peace.

Consequences of Rebellion
Sheba’s rebellion against David serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God’s anointed leadership. It encourages us to respect and support godly leadership in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the wise woman's approach to Joab reflect the biblical principle of using wisdom to resolve conflict? Can you think of a situation in your life where wisdom led to a peaceful resolution?

2. In what ways does the account of Sheba's rebellion and its outcome serve as a warning against rebellion and disobedience? How can we apply this lesson in our relationship with authority figures?

3. How does the role of the wise woman in this passage inspire you to be a peacemaker in your own community or family? What practical steps can you take to promote peace?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to act courageously to stand for what is right. How did your faith influence your actions, and what was the outcome?

5. Considering the connections to other scriptures, how does the theme of wisdom in 2 Samuel 20:22 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? How can you incorporate these teachings into your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 14:1
This verse speaks of the wise woman building her house, which connects to the wise woman's actions in 2 Samuel 20:22, as she uses her wisdom to protect her city.

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
These verses discuss the value of wisdom over strength, paralleling the wise woman's successful intervention in the conflict.

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed can be related to the woman's role in bringing peace to her city.