Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Sheba

◄ Citizens: Wicked: Sheba ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Sheba, a figure in the Old Testament, is prominently known for his rebellion against King David. His account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 20, where he is depicted as a divisive and rebellious leader, embodying the characteristics of a wicked citizen who disrupts the unity and peace of the nation of Israel.

Background and Rebellion:

Sheba was a Benjamite, the son of Bichri. His rebellion arose during a time of political instability following the revolt of Absalom, David's son. After Absalom's defeat, tensions remained high among the tribes of Israel. In this context, Sheba seized the opportunity to incite further division. The Bible records his actions in 2 Samuel 20:1 : "Now a wicked man named Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and said, 'We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!'"

Sheba's declaration was a direct challenge to David's authority, encouraging the Israelites to abandon their allegiance to the king. His call to arms was a significant threat to the unity of the nation, as it sought to exploit tribal divisions and dissatisfaction with David's rule.

Pursuit and Demise:

Recognizing the danger posed by Sheba's insurrection, King David acted swiftly to quell the rebellion. He instructed his commander, Joab, to pursue Sheba and prevent him from fortifying his position. The pursuit led to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, where Sheba sought refuge.

The narrative continues in 2 Samuel 20:14-15 : "Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maacah, and all the Berites gathered together and followed him. And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah. They built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city, and it stood against the rampart as all the troops with Joab battered the wall to bring it down."

In a strategic move to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, a wise woman from the city negotiated with Joab. She assured him that Sheba's head would be thrown over the wall, thus ending the rebellion without further destruction. This act is recorded in 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 trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem."

Significance:

Sheba's rebellion serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of divisiveness and the consequences of wicked leadership. His actions threatened the stability and unity of Israel, highlighting the destructive potential of those who seek power through discord and rebellion. The swift and decisive response by David and his commanders underscores the importance of maintaining order and justice in the face of internal threats.

Sheba's account is a reminder of the biblical principle that rebellion against God-ordained authority leads to chaos and destruction. His fate illustrates the ultimate downfall of those who pursue wickedness and sow discord among God's people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 20:1,2
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... So she went down to the citizens, and said to them, "Will you be so wicked as to ...
So she prevailed with them, and they cut off the head of Sheba, and threw ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

The Pride of Amaryllis
... What confusion to short-sighted citizens; what affrights to sociable maidens ... Shall
I be faithless to Sheba? ... Nothing so stamps your love of me as wicked, in your ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xiv the pride of.htm

The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ...
... procedure in any way, were to be wicked over much ... one ever ventured to think of
depriving the citizens of their ... city" (Isa.52:1). "All they from Sheba shall come ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the ancient form.htm

A Discourse
... 5, states that when the Queen of Sheba came to ... some of the most virtuous and enlightened
citizens, justly but ... all the fiery darts of the wicked' (Ephesians 6:16 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... that a number of eminently pious, loyal, sober, industrious citizens were immured ...
his severe sufferings would materially aid in destroying their wicked craft. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm