2 Samuel 20
Meaning of 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 is a chapter from the Bible’s Old Testament. It narrates the story after the civil war in Israel when David regained his throne from his son, Absalom. The chapter begins with a man named Sheba, a Benjaminite, who took advantage of the weak unity in the kingdom and led a rebellion against King David.
Sheba managed to influence the men of Israel to renounce their allegiance to King David and follow him instead. However, the men of Judah remained loyal to King David. To combat this division, King David ordered his military general, Amasa, to assemble the men of Judah within three days to pursue Sheba.
Amasa took longer than instructed, causing David to order Abishai to assemble his warriors and pursue Sheba instead. Joab, David’s other commander, also joined in this pursuit. In a twist, Joab killed Amasa upon encountering him, possibly because of rivalry or fear of being replaced.
Sheba fled to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, where Joab’s forces laid siege. A wise woman from the city negotiated with Joab, promising to deliver Sheba’s head to end the siege and save the city from destruction. After accomplishing this, Joab and his forces retreated, ending the rebellion.
The chapter concludes with a list of officials who served under King David, reaffirming his control and stability in his reign.
In essence, 2 Samuel 20 recounts one of the several revolts during King David’s reign, highlighting the constant power struggles, political intrigue, and conflict within David’s kingdom.
2 Samuel 20 kjv
2 Samuel 20 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV). It tells the story following the end of Absalom’s rebellion against King David.
To summarize:
In the beginning of the chapter, a man named Sheba, from the tribe of Benjamin, incites a rebellion against King David, by sounding a trumpet and saying, “we have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse,” convincing the men of Israel to follow him.
Meanwhile, King David returns to his palace in Jerusalem and chapters mentioned about the ten concubines David had left to keep the house during Absolom’s rebellion. David confines them to the palace and cares for them but does not have marital relations with them.
David sends his general Amasa to gather the men of Judah within three days to search out Sheba, however, Amasa takes longer than the specified time. Because of this, David sends his loyal general Abishai and his brother Joab, fearing that Sheba might cause more damage than Absalom if not dealt with immediately.
When Amasa finally shows up, Joab deceitfully stabs him killing him due to the past conflict between them where Amasa defected to Absalom’s side. Joab then pursues Sheba with his brother Abishai.
They find Sheba in the city of Abel-beth-Maacah, and when they lay siege to the city, a wise woman comes out to negotiate with Joab. She finds out that they are looking for Sheba, and the wise woman convinces the people of the city to behead Sheba and throw his head over the city wall.
Seeing this, Joab and his troops withdraw from the city, and Joab returns to King David in Jerusalem. The chapter ends with a listing of David’s officials.
The chapter underlines themes of loyalty, conflict, and wisdom to resolve situations.
2 Samuel 20 nkjv
2 Samuel Chapter 20, in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, revolves around the narrative of a revolt against King David led by a Benjamite named Sheba.
After the revolt of Absalom, King David returned to Jerusalem. However, the unity of Israel was not fully restored, and a man named Sheba sought to exploit this situation. Here is a breakdown of the key events:
1. Sheba’s Revolt against David (20:1-2): Sheba, a Benjamite, blew a trumpet and declared that they have no part in David, thus beginning his revolt against the king. Israel followed Sheba, but Judah remained loyal to David.
2. David’s Dealings with His Concubines (20:3): Back in Jerusalem, David isolates his ten concubines, who had been violated by Absalom, providing for them but not visiting them. They remained in isolation until their deaths.
3. David’s Orders to Amasa (20:4-13): David orders Amasa to assemble the men of Judah within three days’ time to pursue Sheba. Amasa takes longer than expected, so David sends Abishai and Joab’s men instead. Joab, seeking revenge for being replaced as commander by Amasa, murders him on the road.
4. Besieging Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah (20:14-22): Joab and his troops chased Sheba to Abel Beth Maacah, intending to ruin the city to capture Sheba. A wise woman negotiated with Joab, stating that the city was one of peace and loyalty to Israel. Upon learning that Joab only wanted Sheba, the woman convinced the citizens to kill Sheba and throw his head over the wall. So, Sheba’s rebellion was ended.
5. David’s Administration (20:23-26): The chapter concludes with a list of David’s principal officers.
Thus, 2 Samuel 20 presents a crucial moment of political upheaval following the revolt of Absalom. The chapter depicts the treachery and violence that marked David’s reign, as well as his successful suppression of the rebellion and continuation of his rule.
2 Samuel 20 niv
“2 Samuel 20” in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible starts with a troubling revolt against King David, led by a Benjaminite named Sheba. After Absalom’s rebellion and death, Israel’s loyalty to David was shaken, leading to this revolt.
Verses 1-2: Sheba, son of Bikri, stirs up a rebellion against King David. He gains the support of the men of Israel, but the men of Judah remained loyal to their king.
Verses 3-5: When David returned to Jerusalem, he put aside the ten concubines he had left to watch over his palace and provided for them, but he no longer slept with them. David issues instructions to Amasa, his new commander, to summon the men of Judah, but Amasa takes longer than the stipulated time.
Verses 6-10: David, feeling the urgency of suppressing Sheba’s rebellion before it grows, sends his guard led by Abishai and Joab. On their way, they meet Amasa. Joab, hiding a sword, greets him with a kiss, and then treacherously murders him, due to his previous allegiance with Absalom against David and possibly due to Joab’s fear of losing his position under Amasa.
Verses 11-13: One of Joab’s men, seeing Amasa in a road, moves his body into a field and covers him with a garment, after which, the men continued after Sheba.
Verses 14-22: Sheba takes refuge in Abel Beth Maakah. Joab and his forces besiege the city intending to tear down the wall. A wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, stating that their city has been a peaceful, faithful city. To prevent destruction, she promises to deliver Sheba’s head. She taught the people and they beheaded Sheba and threw his head over the wall.
Verses 23-26: The book concludes with listing the officials in David’s administration. Joab, despite killing Amasa, remains the commander of David’s army, possibly highlighting a complex and somewhat troubling political reality, where lethal power dynamics play out alongside ruling administration.
The chapter reveals some turbulence in David’s rule, internal loyalty conflicts, and some of the heavy tactics employed to maintain control in his kingdom. It poses a complex perspective on biblical authority, leadership, and political dynamics.
What is 2 Samuel 20 all about?
2 Samuel 20 is another chapter in the saga of King David’s reign over Israel and Judah. This chapter begins just after David has managed to quell the rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, but things are not yet stable in the kingdom.
The chapter opens with a new figure, Sheba, a Benjaminite, who decides to leverage the unrest and discord within the kingdom for his own purposes. He blows a trumpet and declares “We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!” effectively creating another rebellion.
Meanwhile, David returns to his palace in Jerusalem and places ten of his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, in confinement. He provides for their needs but refrains from going to them. They lived as widows till their deaths.
David then instructs his loyal warriors led by Amasa, whom David had promised the position of commander of his army in place of Joab, to summon the men of Judah and return within three days. However, Amasa took longer than the specified time for the assembly of troops.
David recognized the urgency to act quickly to quash the revolt led by Sheba and took a critical decision. He appointed Abishai to gather his warriors and pursue Sheba. Joab, Abishai’s brother, who is seemingly sidelined in David’s new administration, also goes along.
As they reach the great rock in Gibeon, they meet Amasa. Joab, under the pretense of greeting Amasa, stabs him and kills him. This act reinstates Joab as the leader of the troops.
Sheba took refuge in the city of Abel Beth Maacah. Joab and his troops laid siege to the city. A wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, saying that they are a peaceful city and not part of the rebellion. Joab stipulates that they hand over Sheba in order for the siege to end. The woman arranges for Sheba’s head to be thrown over the city wall, proving they had no part in the rebellion. With Sheba dead, Joab withdrew his troops and returned to Jerusalem.
The chapter ends with a summary of the officials in King David’s court reasserting his control and governance over Israel.
What does 2 Samuel 20 teaches?
2 Samuel 20 forms a part of the second book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter primarily emphasizes the rebellion of Sheba against King David, displays the loyalty of David’s followers, and talks about wisdom and its impact when making decisions.
Here are several key lessons from this chapter:
1. Rebellion and Disunity: Sheba incites a rebellion to seize Israel’s throne from King David, depicting the perils of disunity and rebellion. The rebellion gets quelled, thereby teaching the lesson that rebellion often leads to destruction.
2. Leadership and loyalty: Despite the rebellion, King David’s men remain loyal to him. Their loyalty to their king, even amidst challenges, emphasizes the importance of fidelity and unity, particularly under crisis.
3. Wisdom and Decision Making: Joab’s wisdom in dealing with Amasa and the wise woman of Abel can also teach us about cunning and strategy. However, it also shows how wisdom can be used for both positive and negative actions, reminding us to always use our wisdom properly and for the benefit of all.
4. Violence and Power: The chapter outlines acts of violence, revealing a hard truth about the use of force to maintain power, which is a historical reality but not a moral guidance.
5. The role of women: The wise woman who negotiates for her city, saving it from destruction, highlights the vital roles that women can play even in patriarchal societies.
This chapter, like many in the Old Testament, is a complex mix of historical record and moral teachings. Interpretation can vary greatly depending on one’s perspective. The themes highlighted above, however, are generally apparent throughout the narratives presented.
A Sermon on 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 is a part of Old Testament in the Christian Bible. This chapter chronicles another rebellion against the leadership of King David, led by a man named Sheba.
The chapter begins immediately after the resolution of a conflict between the tribes of Israel and the people of Judah over who were the rightful supporters of King David. The disillusioned Sheba, a Benjaminite, takes advantage of this disunity and declares, “We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son!”, urging Israel to follow him instead of King David.
David swiftly instructs his new army commander Amasa to assemble a force to deal with Sheba but when Amasa does not return in the agreed time, he instead sends his faithful men, Abishai and Joab. Joab encounters Amasa on the way and, seeing him as a potential threat, kills him treacherously.
Joab pursues Sheba to a city named Abel Beth Maakah, where he and his armies prepare for a possible siege. A wise woman in the city brokers a negotiation, arguing that their city has always been one that supported David and is of no threat. She proposes to surrender Sheba in exchange for the safety of their city, which Joab accepts. They behead Sheba and throw his head over the wall, quelling this rebellion.
A main theme of this sermon could be the consequences of division and power struggles. One could use this chapter to discuss the importance of unity, wisdom, and loyal leadership. Lessons from it could also include the dangers of treachery and misguided rebellion.
This sermon could also use the wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah as an example of peacemaking, and the importance of wisdom in conflict. She saved her city through her savviness and negotiation skills, brokering peace with Joab.
Reading and interpreting passages from the Bible often mean to extract the moral or lesson to apply in today’s life according to Christianity. Always remember that interpretations can vary greatly depending on individual perspectives. Always provide careful, considered, and prayerful analysis when handling the Word of God.
Key people in 2 Samuel 20
1. Sheba: Sheba is the main antagonist in 2 Samuel 20. He is a man from the tribe of Benjamin who leads a rebellion against King David. His revolt causes significant conflict, but he is ultimately defeated and killed.
2. David: David is the King of Israel during this time. After his return to Jerusalem following the rebellion led by his son Absalom, he has to deal with Sheba’s revolt. David orders his men to go after Sheba and quell the rebellion.
3. Joab: Joab is David’s army commander. While David initially sends out Amasa to squash Sheba’s rebellion, it is Joab who eventually kills Amasa and takes over the command to defeat Sheba. Joab uses cunning tactics, including negotiation with a wise woman in Abel of Beth Maacah, leading to Sheba’s beheading.
4. Amasa: Amasa is a commander that David appoints to replace Joab. However, he fails to gather troops quickly enough to respond to Sheba’s revolt and is subsequently killed by Joab when they meet in Gibeon.
5. The Wise Woman of Abel: This unnamed wise woman played a crucial role in 2 Samuel 20 by negotiating with Joab to spare the city of Abel Beth Maacah. She convinces the people of the city to behead Sheba and throw his head over the city wall, thus ending the rebellion without further bloodshed.
6. Abishai: Joab’s brother, who helped in chasing down Sheba and putting an end to his rebellion, also plays a minor but important role in this chapter.
Real world examples on 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 tells the story of a rebellion in Israel led by Sheba, the son of Bichri. This chapter can provide several lessons that are applicable in real-world examples.
1. The Power of a Single Voice: In the scripture, Sheba, one Bichri’s son, was able to incite a rebellion against King David simply with his words. Similarly, in the real world, individuals with powerful voices or influential positions can incite large groups of people to act, whether for good or ill. We’ve seen this in political revolutions, social movements, and in the influence of popular media figures in shaping public opinion.
2. Importance of Wise Counselling: King David’s advisor, Joab, played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion and bringing peace back to the kingdom. This can be likened to real-world scenarios where wise counseling from trusted advisors helps leaders make good decisions and manage crisis situations. Government advisors, business consultants, and even personal mentors can provide this kind of invaluable advice.
3. Negotiation Over Force: When Joab and his troops besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah, a wise woman from the city negotiated with Joab to save the city from destruction. She managed to convince the city to kill Sheba, and thus, the city was spared. This can be reflected in real-world scenarios where negotiation skills can bring peace and prevent violence or wars. Diplomacy is often a critical element in resolving conflicts in both international relations and personal disputes.
4. Consequences of Division: The division among the Israelites resulted in rebellions and wars, causing many deaths and unrest. This example can be related to any real-world situation where a lack of unity in a country or organization affects its progress and stability. Even in family settings, petty disagreements can escalate and cause division if not handled properly.
Remember, Bible passages often teach general principles, which can then be applied to specific situations. It’s often helpful to consider the context and underlying principles when applying these lessons to modern scenarios.
Note: These interpretations are made with a general understanding of the Christian faith and the Bible. Different people and traditions might have other interpretations or beliefs.
Brief Explanation of 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 recounts the story of a rebellion against King David led by a Benjamite named Sheba. After David’s son, Absalom, dies, a significant fraction of Israelites remains discontented with David’s reign. Sheba exploits these feelings and incites a rebellion.
After Sheba’s call to rebellion, the Israelites desert David, but Judah remains loyal. David returns to his palace in Jerusalem and orders Amasa, whom he appointed commander in place of Joab previously, to summon the men to put down Sheba’s revolt. However, Amasa fails to assemble the men in the given time, which prompts David to send Abishai and Joab.
When they all eventually meet, Joab kills Amasa, which is possibly due to the longstanding bitterness between them. Joab then leads the army against Sheba. When they lay siege to the city of Abel of Beth-maacah where Sheba is hiding, a wise woman from the city negotiates with Joab, promising to throw Sheba’s head over the city wall. She keeps her word, ending the rebellion and saving her city from destruction. Joab then returns to Jerusalem to serve King David.
In short, it’s a story of political strife within David’s kingdom, bloodshed due to personal rivalry, and a city saved from destruction by a wise woman’s negotiation.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Samuel 20
1. Who is Sheba, the son of Bichri?
Sheba is a figure from the tribe of Benjamin who declared a revolt against King David following Absalom’s death.
2. Why did Sheba rebel against King David?
Sheba rebelled against King David likely due to political dissatisfaction after the revolt of Absalom. He took advantage of confusion and discontent among the tribes after the death of Absalom.
3. Who was Amasa and what was his role in 2 Samuel 20?
Amasa was a commander of Absalom’s army who David then made commander of his own army, replacing Joab. In 2 Samuel 20, David commands Amasa to gather the men of Judah within three days.
4. What happened to Amasa?
Amasa was killed by Joab. Joab was threatened by David’s promise to make Amasa the permanent army commander so he assassinated him.
5. What was Joab’s role in this chapter?
Joab was a notable military leader under King David. He played a role in quelling Sheba’s revolt by leading troops against Sheba, and he also killed Amasa in this chapter.
6. Why did the woman of Abel Beth Maachah kill Sheba?
A wise woman from Abel Beth Maachah negotiated with Joab to save her city from destruction. Joab was seeking Sheba who had taken refuge in their city. To save her people, she agreed to give Sheba to Joab and had the city’s inhabitants kill Sheba by beheading him.
7. Did David’s reign get stabilized after the death of Sheba?
David’s reign went back to being secure after the revolt of Sheba was quelled. The death of Sheba returned the focus of Israel back to David and his rule.
8. What does this chapter tell about the leadership of David and his handling of the conflict?
This chapter shows King David as a resilient leader, albeit one dealing with a great deal of political instability and conflict. He is depicted as bold and strategic, however, the decisions made – like replacing Joab with Amasa – lead to more inner conflict and bloodshed. It also shows that David was ready to remove those close to him from power if they made mistakes, showcasing a certain level of impartiality in his rule.
9. How does this chapter contribute to the overall narrative of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel 20 continues to show the trials and tribulations of King David’s reign. It reveals the ongoing struggle for power and control. It adds depth to the conflict and warfare aspect of David’s rule but also underscores David’s steadiness as a leader.
Possible References for 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 is a book and chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It chronicles a period after King David has regained his throne from his rebellious son, Absalom, ushering in a time of unrest and political turmoil.
Here are some interpretations of the key events in this chapter:
1. Sheba’s Rebellion against David: A Benjaminite named Sheba instigates a rebellion against King David, capitalizing on the existing discord among the Israelites. He declares, “We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son” (2 Samuel 20:1), drawing the men of Israel away from David. However, the men of Judah remain loyal.
2. Amasa’s Murder: David instructs Amasa to gather the men of Judah within a three-day period. When Amasa fails to complete his task on time, David sends his military commander, Joab, to handle the situation. Upon meeting Amasa, Joab gruesomely murders him, potentially due to Amasa’s new status, as David had promoted him to commander in place of Joab previously.
3. Siege of Abel Beth Maakah: In pursuit of Sheba, Joab and his troops besiege a city. A local wise woman intervenes, arguing that their city has been known for its loyalty and wisdom. She convinces the people to behead Sheba and throw his head over the wall, thereby ending the siege and saving the city from destruction.
These references suggest a time characterized by political unrest, violence, betrayal, and the strategic methods of survival during war. As is often the case in biblical text, these stories may offer moral, spiritual or historical insights, depending on one’s perspective.
Conclusion on 2 Samuel 20
2 Samuel 20 is about the revolt led by a man named Sheba against the kingdom of King David. The conclusion of this chapter is significant as it showcases the loyalty and wisdom that David’s officers demonstrated, as well as the chaos and dissent within David’s kingdom.
Sheba rebels against David but is unable to form a significant attack because David’s general, Joab, acts swiftly. The city where Sheba takes refuge is saved from destruction by a wise woman who negotiates with Joab and has Sheba’s head thrown over the city wall to Joab, thus proving their loyalty to David’s reign and ending the revolt.
This chapter reinforces David’s control over the kingdom, albeit, showing it was not without dissent. It’s a testament to the wisdom of negotiation over violence, as exemplified by the wise woman, and the continued loyalty and capability of David’s officers.
The list of David’s administration in the later verses, suggests that despite the political turmoil, administrative order was maintained in the kingdom. Notably, it is one of the few places where a somewhat detailed description of King David’s administration is offered.
It also indicates that David’s reign, despite its occasional internal struggles, was organized and strong, with different officers in charge of various aspects of the kingdom’s administration.
To put simply, the conclusion of 2 Samuel 20 depicts David’s reign as solid and his kingdom intact, despite certain in-fights and rebellions, emphasizing on the wisdom and loyalty of his officers.