1 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.

2 So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.

4 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

11 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.

13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

17 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

18 Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.

19 I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?

20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

21 The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

22 Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

23 Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

24 And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:

25 And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

26 And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba's rebellion.
One trial arises after another for our good, till we reach the place where sin and sorrow are for ever done away. Angry disputers misunderstand or misconstrue one another's words; proud men will have every thing their own way, or wholly refuse their assistance. The favour of the many is not to be depended upon; and what have others to expect, when Hosanna to the Son of David was soon changed to Crucify him, crucify him?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Happened - His presence was casual in itself, though ordered by God's providence. No part - The tribe of Judah have monopolized the king to themselves, and will not allow us any share in him; let them therefore enjoy him alone, and let us seek out a new king. The son of Jesse - An expression of contempt, implying that he was no more to be owned as their king, but as a private person, as the son of Jesse. To his tents - Let us all desist from this unthankful office, of bringing the king back, and go each to our homes, that we may consider, and then meet together to chuse a new king.
McArther Bible Commentary
The rebellion of Sheba (2Sa 20:1-26)
Bible Cross References
John 13:8 Genesis 46:21 1 Samuel 13:2 1 Samuel 22:7 2 Samuel 16:7 2 Samuel 18:17 2 Samuel 19:43 2 Samuel 20:2 2 Samuel 20:22 1 Kings 12:16 1 Kings 21:10 2 Chronicles 10:16

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba's rebellion.
One trial arises after another for our good, till we reach the place where sin and sorrow are for ever done away. Angry disputers misunderstand or misconstrue one another's words; proud men will have every thing their own way, or wholly refuse their assistance. The favour of the many is not to be depended upon; and what have others to expect, when Hosanna to the Son of David was soon changed to Crucify him, crucify him?
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Every man - That is, the generality of those Israelites who were present.
McArther Bible Commentary
Israel deserted David. Once the ten tribes withdrew, Judah was left alone to escort the king to Jerusalem. It seems that the disloyalty of the north continued as long as Sheba lived.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:1 2 Samuel 20:3 2 Samuel 20:21

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba's rebellion.
One trial arises after another for our good, till we reach the place where sin and sorrow are for ever done away. Angry disputers misunderstand or misconstrue one another's words; proud men will have every thing their own way, or wholly refuse their assistance. The favour of the many is not to be depended upon; and what have others to expect, when Hosanna to the Son of David was soon changed to Crucify him, crucify him?
McArther Bible Commentary
his concubines. When David returned to Jerusalem, he confined his concubines to a life of abstinence because of their sexual relations with Absalom (2Sa 16:21-22).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 15:16 2 Samuel 16:21 2 Samuel 16:22 2 Samuel 20:2

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
McArther Bible Commentary
Amasa. Amasa was Absalom's general (see note on 2Sa 17:25), whom David promised would be commander of his army after Absalom's death (see note on 2Sa 19:13). Amasa was installed publicly because David thought it would be seen favorably by the ten tribes. He was told to assemble an army in three days to end the insurrection started by Sheba, but could not in such a brief time.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 17:25 2 Samuel 19:13

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Tarried - Either, because the people being wearied out by the late war, were not forward to engage in another: or because the soldiers had more affection to Joab, than to their new general.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 13:8 2 Samuel 20:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Abishai - Not to Joab; lest by this means he should recover his place, and Amasa be discontented, and David's fidelity in making good his promise to Amasa be questioned.
McArther Bible Commentary
Abishai. See note on 2Sa 2:18. When Amasa failed to follow David's orders, David did not reinstate Joab, his former general who had Absalom killed against David's orders (see 2Sa 18:5-15), but appointed Joab's brother Abishai as commander of his forces. your lord's servants. Called "Joab's men" in verse 2Sa 20:7. Abishai was to take the army of Joab to pursue the rebel leader. Joab went also, determined to take vengeance on his rival Amasa.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 11:11 2 Samuel 21:17 1 Kings 1:33 Jeremiah 8:14

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Joab's men - The remainders of Joab's army who were there present, with whom also Joab might go as a reformade, watching an opportunity to do what he designed.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Cherethites, the Pelethites. See note on 1Sa 30:14. mighty men . Those men are listed in 2Sa 23:8-39. Key Word Mighty Men: 2Sa 1:25; 2Sa 10:7; 2Sa 16:6; 2Sa 17:8; 2Sa 20:7; 2Sa 23:8, 2Sa 23:22-emphasizes excellence or unusual quality. In the Old Testament, it is used for the excellence of a lion (Pro 30:30), of good or bad men (Gen 10:9, 1Ch 19:8), of giants (Gen 6:4), of angels (Psa 103:20), or even God (Deu 10:17; Neh 9:32). The Scriptures state that the mighty man is not victorious because of his strength (Psa 33:16) but because of his understanding and knowledge of the Lord (Jer 9:23-24). The phrase mighty God is used three times in the Old Testament, including Isaiah's messianic prophecy of the birth of Jesus (Isa 9:6).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 30:14 2 Samuel 8:18 1 Kings 1:33 1 Kings 1:38

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Amasa went - Having gathered some forces, and given due orders for the rest to follow him, he returned to Jerusalem, and by the king's command went after those mentioned (2 Samuel 20:7) , and being come up to them at the place where they waited for him, he put himself in the head of Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and such as he had brought along with him, and marched before them as their general. Girded - After the manner of travellers and soldiers. Went forth - To meet and salute Amasa, who was coming towards him to do him honour. It fell - Things having (it is likely) been so contrived by Joab, that upon the least motion of his body, his sword should drop out, and he might take it up without raising Amasa's suspicion.
McArther Bible Commentary
Gibeon. See note on 2Sa 2:12. Amasa came before them. Having collected some forces, he marched rapidly and came first to Gibeon, thus assuming the role of commander. It is possible that Joab purposely let the sword fall from its sheath as he approached Amasa, in order that stooping as if to pick up the accidentally fallen weapon, he might salute the new general with his sword already in hand, without generating any suspicion of his intent. He used this ploy to gain the position to stab the new commander, whom he considered as usurping his post.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 3:4 Judges 3:16 2 Samuel 2:13 2 Samuel 3:30

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Beard - As the manner of ancient times was, when they saluted one another.
McArther Bible Commentary
my brother? See note on 2Sa 17:25. by the beard. Joab, present with his men, seized Amasa by his beard with his right hand, apparently to give the kiss of greeting. Instead, with his left hand, he thrust his sword into Amasa's stomach (cf. 2Sa 3:27).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 26:49 2 Samuel 3:27 2 Samuel 15:5 2 Samuel 17:25 2 Samuel 18:29 1 Kings 2:32 Jeremiah 41:2

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The sword - Which falling out, as it seemed, casually, he supposed that Joab intended only to put it into its scabbard, and therefore took no care to defend himself against the stroke. So Joab - Who now boldly resumed his former place, and marched in the head of the army. It is not strange, that Amasa's soldiers did not fight to revenge his death; partly, because not many of them were yet come up, as the following verses shew; and partly, because Joab's interest and authority with the military - men was very great; especially, with David's guards, who were here present, and who had no kindness for Amasa, as having been the general of the rebellious army; and, as they might think, not fit to be put into a place of so great trust.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 35:20 2 Samuel 2:23 2 Samuel 3:27 1 Kings 2:5 1 Kings 2:32 Jeremiah 41:2

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
One - Left there on purpose to deliver the following message. Favoureth Joab - He that would have Joab to be general, rather than such a perfidious rebel as Amasa. For David - He that wisheth David good success against Sheba, and against all rebels.
McArther Bible Commentary
one of Joab's men. Joab was reinstated as commander of David's army by his troops. It is a striking illustration of Joab's influence over the army that he could murder the commander whom David had chosen, a killing right before their eyes, and they would follow him unanimously as their leader in pursuit of Sheba.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:12 2 Samuel 20:13

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Stood still - Wondering at the spectacle, and enquiring into the author and occasion of it. Removed - Perceiving, that it both incensed them against Joab and hindered the king's service. Cast a cloth upon him - But the covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry to God for vengeance.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 2:23 2 Samuel 20:11 2 Samuel 20:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amasa slain by Joab.
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:1 2 Samuel 20:11 2 Samuel 20:12 2 Samuel 20:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He - Sheba, who marched from tribe to tribe to stir them up to sedition. Abel - Unto Abel - beth - maachah, as this place is called here in the Hebrew text, (2 Samuel 20:15) , to distinguish it from other Abels; and to signify, that this was that Abel which was in the northern border of Canaan towards that part of Syria called Maachah, (2 Samuel 10:8) . Berites - Such as lived in the city, or territory of Beeroth of Benjamin, (Joshua 18:25) , who being of the same tribe, if not city with Sheba, adhered to him, and followed him through all the tribes of Israel. They - The tribes of Israel; that is, a considerable number of them; as might well be expected, when the discontents were so high and general.
McArther Bible Commentary
Abel and Beth Maachah. I.e., Abel Beth-Maacha. About twenty-five miles north of the Sea of Galilee, four miles west of the city of Dan.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:13 2 Samuel 20:15 2 Samuel 23:34

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They - That is, Joab and his army. A bank - From whence they might either batter the wall, or shoot at those who defended it. It stood - The bank stood in, or near to the trench, or the wall of the city; so that the city was in great danger of being taken.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:14 1 Kings 15:20 2 Kings 15:29 2 Kings 19:32 Ezekiel 4:2

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Then cried a wise woman - It seems none of all the men of Abel, offered to treat with Joab: no, not when they were reduced to extremity: but one wise woman saved the city. Souls know no difference of sex: many a manly heart is lodged in a female breast. Nor is the treasure of wisdom the less valuable, for being lodged in the weaker vessel.
McArther Bible Commentary
This woman (probably a prominent judge in the city) was making an appeal based on the laws of warfare in Deu 20:10 that required the assaulting army to offer peace before making war. She pleaded for Joab to ask the city if they wanted peace and, thus, avert war (2Sa 20:18).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 14:2 2 Samuel 20:17 2 Samuel 20:22 Ecclesiastes 9:14

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:16 2 Samuel 20:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ask counsel - This city which thou art about to destroy, is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its wisdom, that when any differences arose among any of the neighbours, they used proverbially to say, We will ask the opinion and advice as the men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their arbitration; and so all parties were satisfied, and disputes ended.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:17 2 Samuel 20:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A mother - Great cities are commonly called mothers; as lesser towns or villages subject to them, and depending upon them, are called their daughters. Inheritance - That is, a considerable part of, that land which God hath chosen for his particular possession. The destruction which thou art about to bring upon us, is an injury to Israel, and to the God of Israel.
McArther Bible Commentary
a mother in Israel. This is a reference to a specially honored city or a recognized capital of the region. the inheritance of the Lord? This refers to the land of Israel (see 1Sa 10:1).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:10 1 Samuel 26:19 2 Samuel 14:16 2 Samuel 20:18 2 Samuel 20:20 2 Samuel 21:3

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
McArther Bible Commentary
The ruthless general was a patriot at heart who, on taking the leader of the insurrection, was ready to end further bloodshed. The woman eagerly responded with the promise of Sheba's head.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:19 2 Samuel 20:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ephraim - Probably mount Ephraim was a place in Benjamin so called, either because it was upon the borders of Ephraim or for some notable action or event of the Ephraimites in that place. His head - Which she undertook, because she knew the present temper of the citizens, and soldiers too. And it is not unlikely, that this woman might be a governness in that city. For though this office was commonly performed by men; yet women were sometimes employed in the government: as we see in Deborah, who judged Israel, (Judges 4:4) .
McArther Bible Commentary
mountains of Ephraim. A large, partially forested plateau that extended into the tribal territory of Benjamin from the north.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 24:33 2 Samuel 20:2 2 Samuel 20:20 1 Kings 11:26

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Sheba takes refuge in Abel.
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wisdom - Prudently treated with them about it, representing to them the certainty and nearness of their ruin, if they did not speedily comply with her desires, and certain deliverance if they did.
McArther Bible Commentary
David could not get rid of Joab, though he hated him. He had to ignore the murder of Amasa and recognize Joab as army commander.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 18:16 2 Samuel 18:17 2 Samuel 20:1 2 Samuel 20:16 Ecclesiastes 9:13 Ecclesiastes 9:15

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's officers.
Here is the state of David's court, after his restoration. It is well when able men are appointed to discharge public duties; let all seek to perform those duties, as faithful servants to the Son of David.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Over all the host - The good success of this, and of the former expedition, under the conduct of Joab, had so fixed his interest in the army, and others of David's fastest friends, that the king could not without danger displace him.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. a similar list in 2Sa 8:15-18.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:16 2 Samuel 8:18 2 Samuel 23:20 1 Kings 4:3 2 Kings 11:4

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's officers.
Here is the state of David's court, after his restoration. It is well when able men are appointed to discharge public duties; let all seek to perform those duties, as faithful servants to the Son of David.
McArther Bible Commentary
Adoram. Rendered "Adoniram" in 1Ki 4:6, 1Ki 4:28. He was in charge of the "revenue," a term used to describe the hard labor imposed on subjugated peoples (Exo 1:11; Jos 16:10; Jdg 1:28). Adoram oversaw the forced labor on such projects as the building of highways, temples, and houses.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:16 1 Kings 4:3 1 Kings 12:18

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's officers.
Here is the state of David's court, after his restoration. It is well when able men are appointed to discharge public duties; let all seek to perform those duties, as faithful servants to the Son of David.
McArther Bible Commentary
Sheva. He replaced Seraiah (2Sa 8:17) as David's secretary.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 15:24 2 Samuel 20:26 1 Kings 1:7 1 Kings 1:8 1 Kings 4:4

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's officers.
Here is the state of David's court, after his restoration. It is well when able men are appointed to discharge public duties; let all seek to perform those duties, as faithful servants to the Son of David.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ira. He was David's royal adviser.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:25 2 Samuel 21:1