2 Samuel 20:6

And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us."

Study Bible

And David said to Abishai
David, the second king of Israel, is speaking to Abishai, one of his trusted military leaders and the brother of Joab. Abishai is known for his loyalty and bravery, often serving as a key figure in David's military campaigns. This interaction highlights the trust David places in his commanders, reflecting the importance of strong leadership and delegation in times of crisis.

Now Sheba the son of Bichri
Sheba is identified as the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. The tribe of Benjamin had historical tensions with the tribe of Judah, from which David hailed. This tension is rooted in the earlier division of the kingdom under Saul, a Benjamite, and David's subsequent rise to power. Sheba's rebellion can be seen as an extension of these tribal conflicts, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for unity within Israel.

will do us more harm than Absalom
Absalom, David's son, had previously led a significant rebellion against David, which nearly cost him his throne. By comparing Sheba to Absalom, David acknowledges the serious threat Sheba poses. This comparison underscores the potential for internal strife to destabilize the kingdom, a recurring theme in Israel's history. It also highlights the personal and political challenges David faced during his reign.

Take your lord’s servants and pursue him
David instructs Abishai to take action against Sheba by mobilizing the king's loyal forces. This directive reflects the urgency and seriousness of the threat. The term "lord's servants" indicates the royal troops, emphasizing the need for a swift and decisive military response to prevent further rebellion. This phrase also illustrates the importance of loyalty and obedience in the service of the king.

or he will find fortified cities and elude us
David is concerned that if Sheba reaches fortified cities, he will be able to resist capture and continue his rebellion. Fortified cities were strategically important in ancient warfare, providing protection and a base for operations. This concern highlights the tactical considerations of ancient military campaigns and the need for quick action to prevent an enemy from gaining a stronghold. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking refuge and the challenges of overcoming entrenched opposition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion.

2. Abishai
David's nephew and a loyal military commander, tasked with pursuing Sheba.

3. Sheba son of Bichri
A Benjamite who instigates a rebellion against King David, threatening the unity of Israel.

4. Absalom
David's son, whose previous rebellion against David serves as a backdrop for the current crisis.

5. Fortified Cities
Strategic locations that Sheba might use to strengthen his rebellion and evade capture.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Leadership and Unity
David's quick response to Sheba's rebellion highlights the need for decisive leadership to maintain unity. In our lives, we should strive to support and pray for our leaders, recognizing the importance of unity in our communities and churches.

Recognizing and Addressing Threats
Just as David recognized the threat Sheba posed, we must be vigilant in identifying and addressing spiritual and relational threats in our lives. This requires discernment and action to prevent division and harm.

Loyalty and Obedience
Abishai's willingness to follow David's command demonstrates the value of loyalty and obedience to God-given authority. We should cultivate a spirit of loyalty to God and His appointed leaders, trusting in His sovereign plan.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Sheba's actions remind us of the destructive nature of rebellion against God's established order. We should examine our hearts for any rebellious tendencies and seek to align ourselves with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to Sheba's rebellion demonstrate effective leadership, and how can we apply these principles in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways can we identify and address potential threats to unity within our families, churches, or communities?

3. How does Abishai's loyalty to David inspire us to be loyal to God and His appointed leaders in our lives?

4. Reflect on a time when rebellion or pride led to negative consequences in your life. How can you learn from that experience to prevent similar situations in the future?

5. How do the themes of authority and submission in 2 Samuel 20:6 connect with the teachings in Romans 13:1-2, and how can we apply these principles in our daily interactions with authority figures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 26:6-9
Abishai's loyalty to David is demonstrated when he accompanies David into Saul's camp, showing his consistent support.

2 Samuel 15-18
The rebellion of Absalom provides context for understanding the threat posed by Sheba and the political instability in Israel.

Proverbs 16:18
The theme of pride leading to destruction can be related to Sheba's rebellion, as pride often precedes a fall.

Romans 13:1-2
The importance of submitting to governing authorities, which Sheba fails to do, leading to chaos and division.