2 Samuel 20

2 Samuel 20

Although the political system of the day was beginning to shift more in David’s favor after the death of Absalom, 2 Samuel 20 introduces yet another setback for David. This time it was Sheba who decided to stand in his way, claiming that he and his tribe (Benjamin) had no part in the kingdom of David. He did not want to submit to David’s rule, so he spoke out against David and took with him many of the same people that had previously followed Absalom. What is interesting is that two forces were created as a result of this rebellion. First were parts (and probably most of) every tribe of Israel except Judah. The largest tribe of Israel was Judah, and they stood by David, for the capital city was in their land. These two opposing forces, although they would soon be reunited, would play a key role in the political system at the end of Solomon’s life. For there came a time in Israel’s history when they did split into two separate “countries,” and there were two separate kings in the land.


But as for 2 Samuel 20, a complete separation would not occur. For David it was just one more setback. So he assembled his men together yet again and sent them out to pursue Sheba. Their orders were to stop Sheba at any cost. When David told them to go after Absalom he asked that Absalom’s life be spared. David did not make this type of request with Sheba. He did not give them any real specifics either. Ultimately, David wanted Sheba stopped before he found refuge and was able to gather together a great force of people that could fight against Judah.

So Joab and the rest of David’s men set out, and along the way they encountered problems. Their first problem was in Gibeon, where they had trouble getting through. Joab took care of that situation by killing Amasa, their leader. This sign of power gave them a chance to pass on through Gibeon without any further problems. Then they entered the land of Abel, the city where Sheba had taken refuge. They were beginning to batter down the walls of the city when a woman stopped them. I must admit that at first reading I was wondering if this woman could be trusted. There have been several examples already in Israel’s history where men have fallen to the false words of various men and women. I was especially concerned when she was begging them not to destroy the city. It appeared as if she might actually be trying to protect Sheba. However, this woman was not a false prophet, she was concerned about the welfare of the men and women in her city. Once she discovered that Joab was after Sheba, she promised that she would bring him Sheba’s head if he promised not to destroy their city. Joab agreed, and the woman threw Sheba’s head over the city walls to Joab.

In the end, it did not take brute force to stop Sheba. Although Joab and his men were prepared to go to battle for David and Judah, they were able to settle matters with the woman in Abel, and another force of opposition was stopped. While most situations such as these, when nation rises against nation, must be resolved by force, talking it out usually is not the best option. But for most of us today, if we are not part of the military in some way, we never encounter situations such as these. We do however face opposition quite frequently, and many times those situations can be resolved through conversation. Although it is hard to confront someone who has hurt you, and it is hard to find it within yourself to forgive them, that is what we are called to do. We should not let conflict divide us from others, especially when it is our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is always a resolution to be found, and instead of remaining divided or stirring up an even bigger problem, we should confront the issue and seek a resolution sooner than later.

Matt