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Text -- 2 Samuel 20:11-26 (NET)

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Context
20:11 One of Joab’s soldiers who stood over Amasa said, “Whoever is for Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!” 20:12 Amasa was squirming in his own blood in the middle of the path, and this man had noticed that all the soldiers stopped. Having noticed that everyone who came across Amasa stopped, the man pulled him away from the path and into the field and threw a garment over him. 20:13 Once he had removed Amasa from the path, everyone followed Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bicri. 20:14 Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah and all the Berite region. When they had assembled, they too joined him. 20:15 So Joab’s men came and laid siege against him in Abel of Beth Maacah. They prepared a siege ramp outside the city which stood against its outer rampart. As all of Joab’s soldiers were trying to break through the wall so that it would collapse, 20:16 a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab, ‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’” 20:17 When he approached her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” He replied, “I am.” She said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” He said, “Go ahead. I’m listening.” 20:18 She said, “In the past they would always say, ‘Let them inquire in Abel,’ and that is how they settled things. 20:19 I represent the peaceful and the faithful in Israel. You are attempting to destroy an important city in Israel. Why should you swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?” 20:20 Joab answered, “Get serious! I don’t want to swallow up or destroy anything! 20:21 That’s not the way things are. There is a man from the hill country of Ephraim named Sheba son of Bicri. He has rebelled against King David. Give me just this one man, and I will leave the city.” The woman said to Joab, “This very minute his head will be thrown over the wall to you!” 20:22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice and they cut off Sheba’s head and threw it out to Joab. Joab blew the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each going to his own home. Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. 20:23 Now Joab was the general in command of all the army of Israel. Benaiah the son of Jehoida was over the Kerethites and the Perethites. 20:24 Adoniram was supervisor of the work crews. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the secretary. 20:25 Sheva was the scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests. 20:26 Ira the Jairite was David’s personal priest.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Abel the second son of Adam and Eve; the brother of Cain,an English name representing two different Hebrew names,as representing the Hebrew name 'Hebel' or 'Habel',the second son of Adam,as representing the Hebrew name 'Abel',a town in northern Israel near Dan (OS)
 · Abiathar a son of Ahimelech; a high priest and counselor of David,son of Ahimelech (Ahitub I Ithamar Aaron); counselor of David
 · Adoram a man who was in charge of David's forced labor,a man who was in charge of Rehoboam's forced labor
 · Ahilud father of Jehoshaphat and Baana
 · Amasa son of David's sister Abigail and Jether the Ishmaelite,prince of Ephraim under Ahaz
 · Benaiah son of Jehoiada; commander of King Solomon's army,son of Jehoiada of Pirathon in Ephraim; one of David's elite,head of a large influential family of Simeon in Hezekiah's time,a Levite worship leader in David's time,a priest in David's time,father of Jehoiada, one of king David's counselors,son of Jeiel; a priest under Jehoshaphat,a man who was a temple helper in the time of Hezekiah,a layman of the Parosh clan who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Pahath-Moab clan who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Bani clan who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Nebo clan who put away his heathen wife,the father of Pelatiah, a wicked counselor exposed by Ezekiel
 · Bichri a man of Benjamin; father of Sheba who was David's opponent
 · Bichrites members of the clan of Bichri
 · Cherethites a tribe of Philistines in southern Canaan (YC),officers who formed part of David's guard
 · David a son of Jesse of Judah; king of Israel,son of Jesse of Judah; king of Israel
 · Ephraim the tribe of Ephraim as a whole,the northern kingdom of Israel
 · Ira King David's personal priest,son of Ikkesh from Tekoa; one of David's military elite,an Ithrite man; one of David's military elite
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Jairite a member of the clan of Jair
 · Jehoiada a chief priest; father of Benaiah, head of David's body guard,chief priest under Athaliah and Joash,a prince of the house of Aaron who defected to David with his men,a man who was a counselor of King David,a chief priest in the time of Jeremiah,son of Eliashib the high priest in Nehemiah's time
 · Jehoshaphat the son and successor of king Asa of Judah; the father of Jehoram; an ancestor of Jesus,son of Ahilud; a recorder for King Solomon,an officer over collecting food supplies for King Solomon from Issachar; son of Paruah,son of Asa; King of Judah,son of Nimshi; father of King Jehu of Israel,a situation ("valley") of being judged (OS)
 · Jerusalem the capital city of Israel,a town; the capital of Israel near the southern border of Benjamin
 · Joab son of Zeruiah, David's sister; commander of King David's army,son of Seraiah son of Kenaz of Judah; grand nephew of Caleb of Moses' time,a man whose descendants returned from exile in Babylon,ancestor of a family group who returned from exile headed by Obadiah the son of Jehiel
 · Pelethites a type of soldier among David's men, perhaps mercenaries (OS).
 · Sheba son of Raamah son of Cush son of Ham son of Noah,son of Joktan of Shem,son of Jokshan son of Abraham and Keturah,a town that belonged to the tribe of Simeon,son of Bichri (Benjamin) who led a revolt against David,a country in southern Arabia whose queen visited Solomon (OS),son of Abihail; a founding father of one of the clans of Gad
 · Sheva a secretary to King David,son of Caleb of Judah, and Maacah his concubine
 · Zadok a son of Azor; the father of Akim; an ancestor of Jesus,son of Ahitub II; high priest Zadok I in David's time,father of Jerusha, who was the mother of King Jotham,the chief priest Zadok II; son of Meraioth II,a man who was one of David's military elite from Aaron's clan,son of Baana; one of those who helped rebuild the wall,son of Immer; one of those who helped rebuild the wall,an Israelite chief who signed the covenant to keep God's law,a Levite who served as Nehemiah's scribe


Dictionary Themes and Topics: War | Tribute | Sheba | SAMUEL, BOOKS OF | Rebellion | MEADOW | KING; KINGDOM | JUDAH, KINGDOM OF | JERUSALEM, 4 | Israel | Insurrection | GOVERNMENT | Engines | David | Cherethim | Bichri | Behead | BETHMAACHAH | Abishai | ABELMAIM | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 2Sa 20:11 - -- Left there on purpose to deliver the following message.

Left there on purpose to deliver the following message.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:11 - -- He that would have Joab to be general, rather than such a perfidious rebel as Amasa.

He that would have Joab to be general, rather than such a perfidious rebel as Amasa.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:11 - -- He that wisheth David good success against Sheba, and against all rebels.

He that wisheth David good success against Sheba, and against all rebels.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:12 - -- Wondering at the spectacle, and enquiring into the author and occasion of it.

Wondering at the spectacle, and enquiring into the author and occasion of it.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:12 - -- Perceiving, that it both incensed them against Joab and hindered the king's service.

Perceiving, that it both incensed them against Joab and hindered the king's service.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:12 - -- But the covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry to God for vengeance.

But the covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry to God for vengeance.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Sheba, who marched from tribe to tribe to stir them up to sedition.

Sheba, who marched from tribe to tribe to stir them up to sedition.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Unto Abel - beth - maachah, as this place is called here in the Hebrew text, 2Sa 20:15, to distinguish it from other Abels; and to signify, that this ...

Unto Abel - beth - maachah, as this place is called here in the Hebrew text, 2Sa 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, 2Sa 10:8.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Such as lived in the city, or territory of Beeroth of Benjamin, Jos 18:25, who being of the same tribe, if not city with Sheba, adhered to him, and fo...

Such as lived in the city, or territory of Beeroth of Benjamin, Jos 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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:14 - -- The tribes of Israel; that is, a considerable number of them; as might well be expected, when the discontents were so high and general.

The tribes of Israel; that is, a considerable number of them; as might well be expected, when the discontents were so high and general.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:15 - -- That is, Joab and his army.

That is, Joab and his army.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:15 - -- From whence they might either batter the wall, or shoot at those who defended it.

From whence they might either batter the wall, or shoot at those who defended it.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:15 - -- 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.

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:16 - -- 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. Soul...

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:18 - -- 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 differenc...

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:19 - -- Great cities are commonly called mothers; as lesser towns or villages subject to them, and depending upon them, are called their daughters.

Great cities are commonly called mothers; as lesser towns or villages subject to them, and depending upon them, are called their daughters.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:19 - -- 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,...

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:21 - -- 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...

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:21 - -- 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 governn...

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, Jdg 4:4.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:22 - -- 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,...

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.

Wesley: 2Sa 20:23 - -- 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 fastes...

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.

JFB: 2Sa 20:11-13 - -- It is a striking proof of Joab's unrivalled influence over the army, that with this villainous murder perpetrated before their eyes they unanimously f...

It is a striking proof of Joab's unrivalled influence over the army, that with this villainous murder perpetrated before their eyes they unanimously followed him as their leader in pursuit of Sheba. A soldier conjoined his name with David's, and such a magic spell was in the word "Joab," that all the people "went on"--Amasa's men as well as the rest. The conjunction of these two names is very significant. It shows that the one could not afford to do without the other--neither Joab to rebel against David, nor David to get rid of Joab, though hating him.

JFB: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Beating up for recruits. But there the prompt marches of Joab overtook and hemmed him in by a close siege of the place.

Beating up for recruits. But there the prompt marches of Joab overtook and hemmed him in by a close siege of the place.

JFB: 2Sa 20:15 - -- A verdant place--the addition of "Maachah" betokening that it belonged to the district Maachah, which lay far up the Jordan at the foot of Lebanon.

A verdant place--the addition of "Maachah" betokening that it belonged to the district Maachah, which lay far up the Jordan at the foot of Lebanon.

JFB: 2Sa 20:16 - -- The appeal of this woman, who, like Deborah, was probably a judge or governess of the place, was a strong one.

The appeal of this woman, who, like Deborah, was probably a judge or governess of the place, was a strong one.

JFB: 2Sa 20:18-20 - -- The translation of the Margin gives a better meaning, which is to this effect: When the people saw thee lay siege to Abel, they said, Surely he will a...

The translation of the Margin gives a better meaning, which is to this effect: When the people saw thee lay siege to Abel, they said, Surely he will ask if we will have peace, for the law (Deu 20:10) prescribes that he should offer peace to strangers, much more then to Israelitish cities; and if he do this, we shall soon bring things to an amicable agreement, for we are a peaceable people. The answer of Joab brings out the character of that ruthless veteran as a patriot at heart, who, on securing the author of this insurrection, was ready to put a stop to further bloodshed and release the peaceable inhabitants from all molestation.

JFB: 2Sa 20:23 - -- David, whatever his private wishes, found that he possessed not the power of removing Joab; so winking at the murder of Amasa, he re-established that ...

David, whatever his private wishes, found that he possessed not the power of removing Joab; so winking at the murder of Amasa, he re-established that officer in his former post of commander-in-chief. The enumeration of David's cabinet is here given to show that the government was re-established in its wonted course.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:11 - -- He that favoureth Joab - As if he had said, There is now no other commander besides Joab; and Joab is steadily attached to David: let those therefor...

He that favoureth Joab - As if he had said, There is now no other commander besides Joab; and Joab is steadily attached to David: let those therefore who are loyal follow Joab.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:12 - -- Amasa wallowed in blood - It is very likely that Amasa did not immediately die; I have known instances of persons living several hours after their b...

Amasa wallowed in blood - It is very likely that Amasa did not immediately die; I have known instances of persons living several hours after their bowels had been shed out.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Unto Abel - This is supposed to have been the capital of the district called Abilene in St. Luke’ s Gospel, Luk 3:1

Unto Abel - This is supposed to have been the capital of the district called Abilene in St. Luke’ s Gospel, Luk 3:1

Clarke: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Beth-maachah - Is supposed to have been in the northern part of the Holy Land, on the confines of Syria, and probably in the tribe of Naphtali.

Beth-maachah - Is supposed to have been in the northern part of the Holy Land, on the confines of Syria, and probably in the tribe of Naphtali.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:15 - -- They cast up a bank against the city - The word סללה solelah , which we render bank, means, most probably, a battering engine of some kind, or ...

They cast up a bank against the city - The word סללה solelah , which we render bank, means, most probably, a battering engine of some kind, or a tower overlooking the walls, on which archers and slingers could stand and annoy the inhabitants, while others of the besiegers could proceed to sap the walls. That it cannot be a bank that stood in the trench, is evident from the circumstance thus expressed.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:16 - -- A wise woman - She was probably governess.

A wise woman - She was probably governess.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:18 - -- They shall surely ask counsel at Abel - This is a proverb, but from what it originated we know not; nor can we exactly say what it means: much must ...

They shall surely ask counsel at Abel - This is a proverb, but from what it originated we know not; nor can we exactly say what it means: much must be supplied to bring it to speak sense. Abel was probably famed for the wisdom of its inhabitants; and parties who had disputes appealed to their judgment, which appears to have been in such high reputation as to be final by consent of all parties. To this the wise woman refers, and intimates to Joab that he should have proceeded in this way before he began to storm the city, and destroy the peaceable inhabitants.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:19 - -- I - peaceable and faithful in Israel - I am for peace, not contention of any kind; I am faithful - I adhere to David, and neither seek nor shall san...

I - peaceable and faithful in Israel - I am for peace, not contention of any kind; I am faithful - I adhere to David, and neither seek nor shall sanction any rebellion or anarchy in the land. Why then dost thou proceed in such a violent manner? Perhaps the woman speaks here in the name and on behalf of the city: "I am a peaceable city, and am faithful to the king.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:19 - -- A mother in Israel - That is, a chief city of a district; for it is very likely that the woman speaks of the city, not of herself.

A mother in Israel - That is, a chief city of a district; for it is very likely that the woman speaks of the city, not of herself.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:21 - -- His head shall be thrown to thee - Thus it appears she had great sway in the counsels of the city; and that the punishment of a state rebel was then...

His head shall be thrown to thee - Thus it appears she had great sway in the counsels of the city; and that the punishment of a state rebel was then, what it is now in this kingdom, beheading.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Joab was over all the host - He had murdered Amasa, and seized on the supreme command: and such was his power at present, and the service which he h...

Joab was over all the host - He had murdered Amasa, and seized on the supreme command: and such was his power at present, and the service which he had rendered to the state by quelling the rebellion of Sheba, that David was obliged to continue him; and dared not to call him to account for his murders without endangering the safety of the state by a civil war

Clarke: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Benaiah - over the Cherethites - Benaiah was over the archers and slingers See the notes on 2Sa 8:18.

Benaiah - over the Cherethites - Benaiah was over the archers and slingers

See the notes on 2Sa 8:18.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:24 - -- Adoram was over the tribute - Probably the chief receiver of the taxes; or Chancellor of the Exchequer, as we term it

Adoram was over the tribute - Probably the chief receiver of the taxes; or Chancellor of the Exchequer, as we term it

Clarke: 2Sa 20:24 - -- Jehoshaphat - recorder - The registrar of public events.

Jehoshaphat - recorder - The registrar of public events.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:25 - -- Shevah was scribe - The king’ s secretary.

Shevah was scribe - The king’ s secretary.

Clarke: 2Sa 20:26 - -- Ira - was a chief ruler about David - The Hebrew is כהן לדויד cohen ledavid , a priest to David; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, an...

Ira - was a chief ruler about David - The Hebrew is כהן לדויד cohen ledavid , a priest to David; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic. The Chaldee has רב rab , a prince, or chief. He was probably a sort of domestic chaplain to the king. We know that the kings of Judah had their seers, which is nearly the same: Gad was David’ s seer, 2Sa 24:11, and Jeduthun was the seer of King Josiah, 2Ch 35:16

The conclusion of this chapter is very similar to the conclusion of 2Sa 8:16-18 (note), where see the notes.

TSK: 2Sa 20:11 - -- He that : 2Sa 20:6, 2Sa 20:7, 2Sa 20:13, 2Sa 20:21 for David : 2Sa 20:4; 2Ki 9:32

TSK: 2Sa 20:12 - -- 2Sa 17:25; Psa 9:16, Psa 55:23; Pro 24:21, Pro 24:22

TSK: 2Sa 20:13 - -- the highway : 2Sa 20:12, 2Sa 20:13; Num 20:19; Jdg 21:19; 1Sa 6:12; 2Ki 18:17; Pro 16:17; Isa 7:3; Isa 36:2, Isa 62:10; Jer 31:21; Mar 10:46

TSK: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Abel : Or rather, probably, Abel of Beth-Maachah, as in the next verse. It appears, from Joab having marched ""through all the tribes of Israel,""to ...

Abel : Or rather, probably, Abel of Beth-Maachah, as in the next verse. It appears, from Joab having marched ""through all the tribes of Israel,""to have been situated in the northern confines of the land of Israel, and in the half tribe of Manasseh, east of Jordan, as that was the situation of Maachah, to which it belonged. This agrees with the situation of the Abila which Eusebius and Jerome place between Paneas, or Cesarea Philippi, and Damascus. Josephus says it was a fortified city, and a metropolis of the Israelites; and also that it belonged to the ten tribes, having been taken from the king of Damascus. 1Ki 15:20; 2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4

Berites : Jos 18:25, Beeroth

TSK: 2Sa 20:15 - -- cast up : 2Ki 19:32; Jer 32:24, Jer 33:4; Luk 19:43 a bank : So LXX generally render solelah , by προσχωμα or χωμα ; which latter i...

cast up : 2Ki 19:32; Jer 32:24, Jer 33:4; Luk 19:43

a bank : So LXX generally render solelah , by προσχωμα or χωμα ; which latter is described by Potter as ""a mount, which was raised so high as to equal, if not exceed, the top of the besieged walls. The sides were walled in with bricks or stones, or secured with strong rafters; the fore part only, being by degrees to be moved near the walls, remained bare."

it stood in the trench : or, it stood against the outmost wall

battered : etc. Heb. marred to throw down

TSK: 2Sa 20:16 - -- 2Sa 14:2; 1Sa 25:3, 1Sa 25:32, 1Sa 25:33; Ecc 9:14-18

TSK: 2Sa 20:17 - -- Hear the words : 2Sa 14:12; 1Sa 25:24

Hear the words : 2Sa 14:12; 1Sa 25:24

TSK: 2Sa 20:18 - -- They were wont : etc. or, They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end. Deu 20:10, Deu 20:11

They were wont : etc. or, They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end. Deu 20:10, Deu 20:11

TSK: 2Sa 20:19 - -- peaceable : Gen 18:23; Rom 13:3, Rom 13:4; 1Ti 2:2 a mother : Jdg 5:7; Eze 16:45-49 swallow : 2Sa 17:16; Num 16:32, Num 26:10; Psa 124:3; Jer 51:34, J...

TSK: 2Sa 20:20 - -- Far be it : 2Sa 23:17; Job 21:16, Job 22:18 that I should : 2Sa 20:10; Pro 28:13; Jer 17:9; Luk 10:29

TSK: 2Sa 20:21 - -- a man : 2Sa 20:1; Jdg 2:9, Jdg 7:24; 2Ki 5:22; Jer 4:15, Jer 50:19 by name : Heb. by his name lifted : 2Sa 23:18; 1Sa 24:6, 1Sa 26:9 his head : 2Sa 17...

a man : 2Sa 20:1; Jdg 2:9, Jdg 7:24; 2Ki 5:22; Jer 4:15, Jer 50:19

by name : Heb. by his name

lifted : 2Sa 23:18; 1Sa 24:6, 1Sa 26:9

his head : 2Sa 17:2, 2Sa 17:3; 2Ki 10:7; Jdg 18:4-8

TSK: 2Sa 20:22 - -- in her wisdom : Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:14-18 he blew : 2Sa 20:1, 2Sa 2:28, 2Sa 18:16 retired : Heb. were scattered And Joab : 2Sa 3:28-39, 11:6-21; Ecc 8:11

in her wisdom : Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:14-18

he blew : 2Sa 20:1, 2Sa 2:28, 2Sa 18:16

retired : Heb. were scattered

And Joab : 2Sa 3:28-39, 11:6-21; Ecc 8:11

TSK: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Now Joab : 2Sa 8:16-18; 1Ch 18:15-17 and Benaiah : 2Sa 20:7

Now Joab : 2Sa 8:16-18; 1Ch 18:15-17

and Benaiah : 2Sa 20:7

TSK: 2Sa 20:24 - -- Adoram : 1Ki 4:6, 1Ki 12:18 recorder : or, remembrancer, 1Ki 4:3

Adoram : 1Ki 4:6, 1Ki 12:18

recorder : or, remembrancer, 1Ki 4:3

TSK: 2Sa 20:25 - -- Sheva : 2Sa 8:17; 1Ki 4:4; 1Ch 18:16, Shavsha

Sheva : 2Sa 8:17; 1Ki 4:4; 1Ch 18:16, Shavsha

TSK: 2Sa 20:26 - -- Ira : 2Sa 23:38; 1Ch 11:40, Ithrite Jairite : Jdg 10:4, Jdg 10:5 chief ruler : or, prince, 2Sa 8:18; Gen 41:43, Gen 41:45; Exo 2:14, Exo 2:16; The Heb...

Ira : 2Sa 23:38; 1Ch 11:40, Ithrite

Jairite : Jdg 10:4, Jdg 10:5

chief ruler : or, prince, 2Sa 8:18; Gen 41:43, Gen 41:45; Exo 2:14, Exo 2:16; The Hebrew is cohen ledawid , which might be rendered, a priest of David; and so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic. The Chaldee has rav , a chief or prince. Probably he was a kind of domestic chaplain or seer to the king. 2Sa 24:11; 2Ch 35:15

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Sa 20:11 - -- He that favoreth Joab ... - This speech, addressed to Amasa’ s followers as well as Joab’ s, shows very distinctly that the rivalry b...

He that favoreth Joab ... - This speech, addressed to Amasa’ s followers as well as Joab’ s, shows very distinctly that the rivalry between Joab and Amasa, and David’ s purpose to make Amasa captain in Joab’ s room, were well known; and shows also the real reason why Joab killed Amasa. What is added, "and he that is for David,"was intended to identify Joab’ s cause with David’ s, and also to insinuate that Amasa had not been loyal to David (2Sa 20:5 note).

Barnes: 2Sa 20:12 - -- All the people ... - i. e., the levies which Amanda had been leading to Jerusalem; they were irresolute as to what they should do, and the stop...

All the people ... - i. e., the levies which Amanda had been leading to Jerusalem; they were irresolute as to what they should do, and the stoppage at Amasa’ s body very nearly led to their refusing to follow Joab. But upon the prompt removal and hiding of the body they passed on and followed Joab, their old captain.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Abel - More commonly called 2Sa 20:15 "Abel-Beth-maachah"to distinguish it from other places of the name of "Abel"(a grassy plain). It is repre...

Abel - More commonly called 2Sa 20:15 "Abel-Beth-maachah"to distinguish it from other places of the name of "Abel"(a grassy plain). It is represented by the modern Abil-el-Kamh, a Christian village on the northwest of lake Huleh, the ancient Merom. Compare 2Ch 16:4, "Abel-maim,"Abel by the water.

And all the Berites - What this means is utterly unknown. Many approve of the reading of the Latin Version, connecting it with what follows: "And all the choice young men mustered and followed him."

Barnes: 2Sa 20:15 - -- Cast up a bank - See the marginal references. The throwing up of mounds against the walls of besieged places by the besiegers is well illustrat...

Cast up a bank - See the marginal references. The throwing up of mounds against the walls of besieged places by the besiegers is well illustrated in the Assyrian sculptures.

The trench - The "pomoerium,"or fortified space outside the wall. When the mound was planted in the pomoerium the battering engines were able to approach close to the wall to make a breach.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:18 - -- This was an old proverb. Abel, like Teman, and some other places, was once famous for the wisdom of its inhabitants 1Ki 4:30-31. The wise woman was ...

This was an old proverb. Abel, like Teman, and some other places, was once famous for the wisdom of its inhabitants 1Ki 4:30-31. The wise woman was herself a remnant of this traditional wisdom.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:19 - -- I am one ... - The woman speaks in the name of the whole city, which she means to say was peaceable and loyal.

I am one ... - The woman speaks in the name of the whole city, which she means to say was peaceable and loyal.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:20 - -- Joab’ s character is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive...

Joab’ s character is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful. No life is safe that stands in his way, but from policy he never sacrifices the most insignificant life without a purpose. (Compare 2Sa 2:27-30.)

Barnes: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Now Joab ... - This is by no means an unmeaning repetition. Joab had been dismissed to make room for Amasa, and was now, as the result of his s...

Now Joab ... - This is by no means an unmeaning repetition. Joab had been dismissed to make room for Amasa, and was now, as the result of his successful expedition against Sheba, and the death of Amasa, reinstated in his command. Moreover, this was a fresh beginning of David’ s reign, and therefore a statement of his chief officers is as proper as in 2Sa 8:16, when he had just established himself on the throne of Israel. Compare 1Ki 4:2-6.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:24 - -- Adoram - Not mentioned before by name or office. Apparently, therefore, the office was not instituted until the latter part of David’ s re...

Adoram - Not mentioned before by name or office. Apparently, therefore, the office was not instituted until the latter part of David’ s reign, and its duties probably were the collection of the tribute imposed upon vanquished nations, or the command of the forced levies employed in public works. Adoram was stoned to death in the beginning of the reign of Rehoboam 1Ki 12:18.

Barnes: 2Sa 20:26 - -- Ira the Jairite - Not mentioned before: perhaps the same as "Ira an Ithrite"(marginal reference), i. e., an inhabitant of Jattir in the hill co...

Ira the Jairite - Not mentioned before: perhaps the same as "Ira an Ithrite"(marginal reference), i. e., an inhabitant of Jattir in the hill country of Judah Jos 15:48; 1Sa 30:27. Perhaps we ought to read "Ithrite,"for "Jairite."

A chief ruler ... about David - More simply and clearly, "was David’ s kohen"(2Sa 8:18 note). In the early part oph David’ s reign his own ons were כהן kôhên (chief rulers). The deaths of Amnon and Absalom, and the dissensions in the family, had probably caused the change of policy in this respect.

Poole: 2Sa 20:11 - -- One of Joab’ s men left there on purpose to deliver the following message. He that favoureth Joab he that would have Joab to be general, rathe...

One of Joab’ s men left there on purpose to deliver the following message.

He that favoureth Joab he that would have Joab to be general, rather than such a perfidious rebel and traitor as Amasa.

He that is for David he that wisheth David good success against Sheba, and against all rebels; whereby he implies that though this fact of his was done against the king’ s command, yet it was for his interest and defence.

Poole: 2Sa 20:12 - -- Wallowed Heb. rolled himself , being in the pangs of death; yet having so much life left as to move himself a little, though not to raise himself up...

Wallowed Heb. rolled himself , being in the pangs of death; yet having so much life left as to move himself a little, though not to raise himself up from his place.

In blood in his own blood, which was shed there.

All the people to wit, the soldiers which were upon their march.

Stood still wondering at the spectacle, and inquiring into the author and occasion of it.

He removed Amasa out of the highway into the field perceiving that it both incensed them against Joab, and hindered the king’ s present service.

Poole: 2Sa 20:14 - -- He went either, 1. Joab, who pursued Sheba through all the tribes as far as Abel. Or rather, 2. Sheba, who was last mentioned, who marched from tri...

He went either,

1. Joab, who pursued Sheba through all the tribes as far as Abel. Or rather,

2. Sheba, who was last mentioned, who marched from tribe to tribe to stir them up to sedition; and to him the following words seem best to agree.

Unto Abel, and to Beth-aachah or rather, to Abel, even to Beth-maachah , i.e. unto Abel-beth-maachah , as this place is called here in the Hebrew text, 2Sa 20:15 1Ki 15:20 2Ki 15:29 , to distinguish it from other Abels; and to signify that this was that Abel which was in the tribe of Naphtali in the northern border of Canaan, towards that part of Syria called Maachah , 2Sa 10:8 .

The Berites such as lived in the city or territory of Beeroth of Benjamin, Jos 18:25 , who being of the same tribe, if not city, with Sheba, and his greatest acquaintance and friends, or being most implacable against David, adhered to Sheba, and followed him through all the tribes of Israel.

They were gathered together to wit, the tribes of Israel, i. e. a considerable number of them; as might well be expected, when the discontents were so high and general.

After him i.e. after Sheba.

Poole: 2Sa 20:15 - -- They came i.e. Joab and his army, which is easily understood, both from the foregoing and following verses. They cast up a bank from whence they mi...

They came i.e. Joab and his army, which is easily understood, both from the foregoing and following verses.

They cast up a bank from whence they might either batter the wall, or shoot at those who defended it against them who should assault it. See 2Ki 19:32 Jer 32:24 33:4 . Otherwise, they threw down the bank of the city , which they had raised up to defend the city on the weakest side.

It stood in the trench i.e. the bank stood in or near to the trench, or wall of the city; so that the city was in great danger of being taken. Otherwise, the city stood within the trench, or wall, being defended only by a single trench, or a weak wall; the bank which was raised up there to defend it being thrown down.

Poole: 2Sa 20:18 - -- According to this translation the sense is, This city which thou art about to destroy is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and conside...

According to this translation the sense is, This city which thou art about to destroy is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its wisdom, and the wise people in it, that when any differences did arise among any of the neighbours, they used proverbially to say, We will ask the opinion and advice of the men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their arbitration ; and so all parties were satisfied, and disputes ended. But there is another translation in the margin, embraced also by some others, which seems to be the best:

They (i. e. the citizens of this city) plainly (or, commonly ) spake (among themselves) in the beginning , (to wit, when Sheba and his men first came into the city, and they were informed, that Joab was pursuing him,) saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end . They will peaceably expostulate the business with us, and inquire why we received Sheba into our city; and whether we would deliver him up into their hands, and would inform us of the reason of their hostile attempt upon us, and offer to us conditions of peace, which by God’ s law, Deu 20:10 , they were to do even to strange, and much more to Israelitish cities. So she doth both modestly reprove Joab for the neglect of this duty, and oblige him to the performance of it.

Poole: 2Sa 20:19 - -- Or, I (to wit, the city of Abel, in whose name and person she speaks this) am one of the peaceable and faithful cities of Israel. Whatsoever Sheba...

Or, I (to wit, the city of Abel, in whose name and person she speaks this) am one of the

peaceable and faithful cities of Israel. Whatsoever Sheba may design, whom we have innocently received into our city before we well understood the matter, we of this city abhor the thoughts of warring and rebelling against the king, as having had no hand in Absalom’ s late rebellion: which is probable enough, considering both their situation in the utmost borders of the land, very remote from the seat of that civil war; and their open profession of their peaceableness and fidelity or loyalty to the king; which had been impudent if they had been so lately involved in the last war and rebellion.

A city and a mother i.e. a mother; for great cities are commonly called mothers; as lesser towns or villages subject to them, and depending upon them for direction and defence, are called their daughters, as Eze 16:27,46 .

The inheritance of the Lord i.e. a considerable part of that land which God hath chosen for his peculiar possession. The destruction which thou art about to bring upon us is an injury also to Israel, and to the God of Israel.

Poole: 2Sa 20:20 - -- A man of Mount Ephraim Quest. How can this be so when he is called a Benjamite, 2Sa 20:1 ? Answ Either he was a Benjamite by birth, but dwelt in...

A man of Mount Ephraim

Quest. How can this be so when he is called a Benjamite, 2Sa 20:1 ?

Answ Either he was a Benjamite by birth, but dwelt in the tribe of Ephraim, as many did upon several occasions dwell out of their own tribes; or Mount Ephraim was a place in Benjamin, which might be so called, either because it was upon the borders of Ephraim, and looked towards it; or from some notable action or event of the Ephraimites in that place. Compare 2Sa 18:6 . Hath lift up his hand , i.e. taken up arms, or raised rebellion. His head shall be thrown, to thee over the wall ; which she undertook, because she knew the present temper and great fears of the citizens, and soldiers too; and that considering their evident and extreme danger, they were generally desirous of peace, from which they were restrained only by Sheba’ s authority and interest; and therefore did not doubt by God’ s blessing upon her wise counsel to effect it, as indeed she did. And it is not unlikely that this woman might be a governess in that city for though this office was commonly performed by men, yet were not the women wholly excluded, but sometimes employed in the government; as we see in Deborah, who judged Israel, Jud 4:4 ; and queen Athaliah, 2Ki 11 .

Poole: 2Sa 20:21 - -- A man of Mount Ephraim Quest. How can this be so when he is called a Benjamite, 2Sa 20:1 ? Answ . Either he was a Benjamite by birth, but dwelt i...

A man of Mount Ephraim

Quest. How can this be so when he is called a Benjamite, 2Sa 20:1 ?

Answ . Either he was a Benjamite by birth, but dwelt in the tribe of Ephraim, as many did upon several occasions dwell out of their own tribes; or Mount Ephraim was a place in Benjamin, which might be so called, either because it was upon the borders of Ephraim, and looked towards it; or from some notable action or event of the Ephraimites in that place. Compare 1Sa 18:6 . Hath lift up his hand i.e. taken up arms, or raised rebellion. His head shall be thrown to thee over the wall; which she undertook, because she knew the present temper and great fears of the citizens, and soldiers too; and that considering their evident and extreme danger, they were generally desirous of peace, from which they were restrained only by Sheba’ s authority and interest; and therefore did not doubt by God’ s blessing upon her wise counsel to effect it, as indeed she did. And it is not unlikely that this woman might be a governess in that city for though this office was commonly performed by men, yet were not the women wholly excluded, but sometimes employed in the government; as we see in Deborah, who judged Israel, Jud 4:4 ; and queen Athaliah, 2Ki 11 .

Poole: 2Sa 20:22 - -- In her wisdom prudently treated with them about it, either severally or jointly, as she saw fit; representing to them the certainty and nearness of a...

In her wisdom prudently treated with them about it, either severally or jointly, as she saw fit; representing to them the certainty and nearness of all their ruin, if they did not speedily comply with her desires, and certain deliverance if they did.

They retired Joab and his army which besieged them.

Poole: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Joab was over all the host of Israel: the good success of this and of the former expedition, under the conduct of Joab, had so fixed his interest in ...

Joab was over all the host of Israel: 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 to the public weal displace him.

Poole: 2Sa 20:24 - -- Over the tribute the receiver and manager of the king’ s public revenue. See Poole on "1Ki 4:6" . Jehoshaphat was recorder: See Poole on "2Sa ...

Over the tribute the receiver and manager of the king’ s public revenue. See Poole on "1Ki 4:6" .

Jehoshaphat was recorder: See Poole on "2Sa 8:16".

Poole: 2Sa 20:26 - -- The Jairite so called from his birth or dwelling in the country of Jair in Gilead, Num 32:41 Jud 10:4 . A chief ruler either the president of the k...

The Jairite so called from his birth or dwelling in the country of Jair in Gilead, Num 32:41 Jud 10:4 .

A chief ruler either the president of the king’ s council; or his chief minister (as the Hebrew word cohen signifies) of state, instead of Ahithophel; or in some other very high place near the king’ s person. Compare 2Sa 8:18 , where this title is given to David’ s sons, the chief of which were now cut off. And these things are here repeated with some alteration to show that David was now fully re-established in his former estate.

Haydock: 2Sa 20:11 - -- Some men. The same author [Josephus?] and the Hebrew only mention "one of," &c. (Haydock) --- Behold. Thus they insult over him, being attached ...

Some men. The same author [Josephus?] and the Hebrew only mention "one of," &c. (Haydock) ---

Behold. Thus they insult over him, being attached to Joab. Hebrew, "Who loves Joab? and who is David? Let him follow Joab;" or, "who is this who wished to supplant Joab? and who desired to be in David's favour, after Joab? (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Sa 20:12 - -- A certain. Hebrew, "the man" stationed by Joab, near the body, to inform those who passed, that he had been justly slain. Josephus, ([Antiquities?]...

A certain. Hebrew, "the man" stationed by Joab, near the body, to inform those who passed, that he had been justly slain. Josephus, ([Antiquities?] vii. 10,) who observes, that this crime of Joab proceeded from envy, and was less deserving of excuse than the murder of Abner. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 20:14 - -- Tribes, north-west of the Jordan. (Calmet) --- Abela and Bathmaacha. Cities of the tribe of Nephtali. (Challoner) --- The former is called simp...

Tribes, north-west of the Jordan. (Calmet) ---

Abela and Bathmaacha. Cities of the tribe of Nephtali. (Challoner) ---

The former is called simply Abel (4 Kings xv. 29.; Calmet) as it is here by the Protestant version. (Haydock) ---

It is also called Abyla, (Luke iii. 1,) and Hoba, (Genesis xiv. 15.; Calmet) between Damascus and Paneas, (Eusebius) situated on the borders of Syria, as well as Beth Maaca, or "the canton of Maacha," or Machati, Josue xii. 5. ---

Chosen. Hebrew Berim, (which is translated "Berites," by the Protestants.; Haydock) is derived from Bara, "to choose," by St. Jerome. Septuagint have read airim, "cities." Some suppose that the inhabitants of Bahurim (near Mount Ephraim, ver. 21, where Semei, a relation of Saul, and many disaffected people resided) shut themselves up with him in Abela.

Haydock: 2Sa 20:15 - -- Works. Hebrew, a bank, or terrace against the city, and it stood in the trench; (Haydock) so that the town ditch was filled up, (Grotius) or terra...

Works. Hebrew, a bank, or terrace against the city, and it stood in the trench; (Haydock) so that the town ditch was filled up, (Grotius) or terraces were raised, from which archers assailed the besieged. Joab made a ditch to defend his men from foreign assailants; and he had already taken the outward wall, so that the town could not hold out for any length of time. ---

The walls. St. Jerome thinks with battering rams: but they were not yet invented. (Calmet) ---

They undermined the walls, while some attempted to pull them down with hooks and ropes, chap. xvii. 13. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 20:16 - -- Say to Joab. This woman was noted for her prudence, and it was hoped that her words would have more influence to disarm Joab. She addresses those w...

Say to Joab. This woman was noted for her prudence, and it was hoped that her words would have more influence to disarm Joab. She addresses those who were nearest the wall, that she may have an interview with the general, at the request of her fellow-citizens.

Haydock: 2Sa 20:18 - -- End of their disputes, (Haydock) as Abela was remarkable for its wise counsellors, (Menochius) and equitable decisions; (Haydock) so that many came, ...

End of their disputes, (Haydock) as Abela was remarkable for its wise counsellors, (Menochius) and equitable decisions; (Haydock) so that many came, from a distance, to consult the learned of this city. (Calmet) ---

Others suppose that she refers to the law, which ordains that peace shall first be proposed, and, if this had been done, the affair would long ago have been decided, Deuteronomy xx. 10. (Jonathan; Estius; &c.) ---

Hebrew, "They spoke a word at first: Let them ask at Abela, and so they shall make an end." Much must be supplied to make the text conformable to the former explication. We may translate, "They said, in ancient times: Let those who require more, go seek at Abela: so they finished their discourse." (Calmet) ---

Protestants, "They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so the ended the matter. "

Haydock: 2Sa 20:19 - -- Truth. Hebrew, "I am peaceable, faithful in Israel." (Haydock) --- I am one of the cities most inclined to peace, and to the king's service, not...

Truth. Hebrew, "I am peaceable, faithful in Israel." (Haydock) ---

I am one of the cities most inclined to peace, and to the king's service, noted for lessons of loyalty. (Calmet) ---

Probably there was an academy here. (Menochius) ---

Mother, city, or metropolis. The Hebrews styled the inferior towns, daughters. (Calmet) ---

Lord, a city belonging to Israel. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 20:20 - -- God, ( Absit. ) Literally, "Far be it, far be it from me;" as we need not put the name of God in the mouth of this profane man, without reason. (Ha...

God, ( Absit. ) Literally, "Far be it, far be it from me;" as we need not put the name of God in the mouth of this profane man, without reason. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Sa 20:26 - -- Jairite, a descendant of Jair, (Calmet) son of Manasses. (Haydock) --- Priest. Hebrew cohen, respected like a priest, (Haydock) chief favourite...

Jairite, a descendant of Jair, (Calmet) son of Manasses. (Haydock) ---

Priest. Hebrew cohen, respected like a priest, (Haydock) chief favourite, (Worthington) the Rab., (Chaldean) chief counsellor of David, (Vatable) almoner, &c. It is not certain that he was of the family of Aaron, or qualified to be the domestic chaplain of the king. See chap. viii. 16, &c. No other king of Israel had an officer to whom this title was given. (Calmet)

Gill: 2Sa 20:11 - -- And one of Joab's men stood by him,.... By the body of Amasa; no doubt by the order of Joab, to satisfy the people as they came up, and reconcile them...

And one of Joab's men stood by him,.... By the body of Amasa; no doubt by the order of Joab, to satisfy the people as they came up, and reconcile them to this fact, and to exhort them not to stop, but to follow after Joab; for though Amasa their general was dead, Joab had taken the command of the army, and the pursuit was carried on with as much rigour as ever:

and said, he that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab: he that likes Joab should be general, and is in the interest of David, let him make no stay here, but follow after Joab; Joab and David are put together, as if their interests were the same; though there seems to be an indecency in placing Joab first.

Gill: 2Sa 20:12 - -- And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway,.... By which it seems, that though the wound was mortal, and of which he died, that as yet th...

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway,.... By which it seems, that though the wound was mortal, and of which he died, that as yet there was life in him, and through the pain he was in, and the pangs of death on him, he rolled himself about in his own blood in the high road, where the fact was committed:

and when the man saw that all the people stood still; gazing at the shocking sight, and could not be prevailed upon to go on:

he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field; which was adjoining to it:

and cast a cloth upon him; that the body might not be seen:

when he saw that everyone that came by him stood still; and so retarded the people in their march, to prevent which he took the above method, and it was a very prudent one.

Gill: 2Sa 20:13 - -- When he was removed out of the highway,.... Into the field, and covered over with a cloth, that he could not be seen: all the people went on after ...

When he was removed out of the highway,.... Into the field, and covered over with a cloth, that he could not be seen:

all the people went on after Joab; made no stop at all, knowing nothing of the matter, or what had happened:

to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri; these were the troops that Amasa had been assembling, which followed one another after him; for Joab and Abishai, with their men, were at Gibeon first.

Gill: 2Sa 20:14 - -- And he went through all the tribes of Israel,.... That is, Sheba the son of Bichri, last mentioned, 2Sa 20:13, who passed through all the tribes of Is...

And he went through all the tribes of Israel,.... That is, Sheba the son of Bichri, last mentioned, 2Sa 20:13, who passed through all the tribes of Israel to get as many to be of his party as he could, and to be proclaimed their king; or finding himself pursued, he passed on as fast as he could from place to place, through all the tribes, until at length he fixed for safety in a place later named; though Josephus w understands this of Joab pursuing Sheba through all the tribes of Israel with the forces under him; and to this sense the Syriac and Arabic versions, and so R. Isaiah interprets it; but the first sense is more generally received, that Sheba is meant, who passing through various tribes, came

unto Abel, and unto Bethmaachah; which were two places very near one another, if not one and the same place; since Abel is in 2Sa 20:15 called Abel of Bethmaachah, to distinguish it from any other place: it was a city that lay to the north of Israel near Syria; and from 2Ki 15:29, it appears to be in the tribe of Naphtali. There was one city of this name of Abel, six miles from Philadelphia, another twelve miles from Gadara, and a third between Paneas and Damascus, which, of the three, Reland thinks x, is most eligible to be the place here meant; though he rather chooses to look for it in Galilee, to the west or south of Paneas, than to the east or north in the way to Damascus; and so Adrichomius y calls it a city of upper Galilee, sixty furlongs or seven and an half miles from Jordan; and though he also places it in the tribe of Naphtali, in the plain of the country of Berim (from whence perhaps were the Berites next mentioned), not far from Caesarea Philippi; see 1Ki 15:20,

and all the Berites; the inhabitants of Beeroth, in the tribe of Benjamin, of which tribe Sheba was, they followed him hither, as in the next clause:

and they were gathered together, and went also after him; unto Abel; of these, see Jos 18:25; though perhaps these Berim or Berites were nearer to Abel; or rather that was in their country, as has been observed by Adrichomius.

Gill: 2Sa 20:15 - -- And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah,.... That is, Joab and Abishai, with the forces under them, who pursued him hither: and they ...

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah,.... That is, Joab and Abishai, with the forces under them, who pursued him hither:

and they cast up a bank against the city; which some understand of a warlike machine or engine, with which stones were cast; but it rather seems to be a bank of earth thrown up, for the better working of such engines to more advantage against the city, by throwing from thence darts into the city, or stones against the walls of it, to batter it down; such banks were used in sieges, as that Caesar's soldiers raised in twenty five days, which was three hundred thirty feet broad, and eighty feet high z; Kimchi interprets this of filling up the ditches round about the city with dust and earth, and so making it level, whereby they could come the more easily to the walls and batter them, or scale them, and take the city by storm:

and it stood in the trench; the army under Joab stood where the trench round the city had been, now filled up:

and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down; with their engines, or whatever battering instruments they had; so, often, as Hesiod a says, a whole city suffers for one bad man.

Gill: 2Sa 20:16 - -- Then cried a wise woman out of the city,.... And such an one as the woman of Tekoah, supposed by some to be the governess of the city; but whoever she...

Then cried a wise woman out of the city,.... And such an one as the woman of Tekoah, supposed by some to be the governess of the city; but whoever she was, she well deserved the character of a wise woman; her conduct in this affair shows it: she cried with a loud voice, upon the wall of the city, to Joab's men, who were underneath battering it:

hear, hear; which she repeated to make them hear:

say, I pray you, unto Joab, come near hither, that I may speak with thee; tell your general I desire to speak with him; which was wisely done, to have nothing to say but to the general himself.

Gill: 2Sa 20:17 - -- And when he was come near unto her,.... As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him: the woman...

And when he was come near unto her,.... As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him:

the woman said, art thou Joab? she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him:

and he answered, I am he; the very person you ask after:

and she said unto him, hear the words of thine handmaid; though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say:

and he answered, I do hear: am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.

Gill: 2Sa 20:18 - -- Then she spake, saying, they were wont to speak in old time,.... It was a common saying, a proverbial expression among the ancient sages: saying, t...

Then she spake, saying, they were wont to speak in old time,.... It was a common saying, a proverbial expression among the ancient sages:

saying, they shall surely ask counsel at Abel, and so they ended the matter. Abel, it seems, had been a city so famous for wise and prudent men, that it was common for the inhabitants of other cities, in the several parts of the kingdom, when any controversy arose among them, to say to one another, since we cannot agree this matter among ourselves, let us go to Abel, and take advice there, and leave it to their arbitration; and so they did, and things were presently brought to an issue, and happily concluded; nay, when the king had a mind to make a decree or law, as R. Isaiah observes, he used to send to Abel to know whether they would submit to it; and if they agreed to it, then he proceeded in it; for other cities followed their example, so famous was this city, and of so great account: now the woman argues from hence, that surely such a renowned city should not hastily be destroyed; but the Targum directs to another sense, and which perhaps is best, and is followed by Jarchi, Kimchi, and others, paraphrasing the words thus,"she spake, saying, I remember now what is written in the book of the law, to ask a city first, saying, (will ye make peace?) so shouldest thou have asked of Abel, will ye make peace, or receive terms of peace?''referring to the law in Deu 20:10; signifying, if that had been attended to as it ought (for if such methods were to be taken with Heathen cities, much more with a city of Israel, as Abel was), things would soon have been agreed and issued; had Joab upon approaching the city proposed his terms of peace, they would have immediately yielded to them, and so the matter would have ended at once; for they were a peaceable people, as it follows: though Dr. Lightfoot b gives another sense of these words, that Sheba and his party when they came to the city,"they at first certainly said thus, that they would ask Abel of its peace (or on whose side it was), and so they made the matter entire, or made a show of their own integrity:''by which this woman assured Joab, that the men of Abel had not invited, nor willingly received Sheba and his rebels into the city, but they had deceived them by fawning and false words, pretending only to inquire about the peace and welfare of their city.

Gill: 2Sa 20:19 - -- I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel,.... Her meaning is, that she was of a city which consisted of peaceable and faithful men...

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel,.... Her meaning is, that she was of a city which consisted of peaceable and faithful men, that were peaceable among themselves, and faithful to their king, who never were concerned in any insurrection or rebellion, not in the late one under Absalom:

thou seekest to destroy a city, and a mother in Israel; a metropolitan city, which had several towns and villages under its jurisdiction, which were as daughters to it. Some think she means herself, because very old, supposed c to be Serah, the daughter of Asher, a son of Jacob, which is improbable:

wilt why thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord? a city which is a part of the land, that is the Lord's inheritance.

Gill: 2Sa 20:20 - -- And Joab answered and said, far be it from me, far be it from me,.... He repeats these words, to show how detestable it was to him to do what she sugg...

And Joab answered and said, far be it from me, far be it from me,.... He repeats these words, to show how detestable it was to him to do what she suggested:

that I should swallow up or destroy; any in a violent and unrighteous manner, and especially a city of which she had given such a character for its greatness and worth, and for the peaceableness and fidelity of its inhabitants.

Gill: 2Sa 20:21 - -- The matter is not so,.... I am not come with the army against this city with any ill will to it, and with an intention to destroy it: the case is thi...

The matter is not so,.... I am not come with the army against this city with any ill will to it, and with an intention to destroy it: the case is this:

but a man of Mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name; for though he was by birth a Benjaminite, his dwelling was in Mount Ephraim in that tribe; unless there was a place of this name in the tribe of Benjamin, so called from any memorable event there, as the wood of Ephraim, 2Sa 18:6. This same man, says Joab:

hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David; is in rebellion against the king, even so great and good a king as David; he has lifted up his hand, and blown a trumpet to draw off men from David, and after himself; he has committed acts of hostility and treason; he has drawn his sword, and raised an insurrection and rebellion in the nation:

deliver him only, and I will depart from the city: he did not desire any of his followers to be delivered up, only himself, knowing the rebellion would cease upon the delivery of him; and being unwilling that the blood of any Israelite should be shed, whom he had unawares drawn into this rebellion, and who he knew would return to their own cities upon this:

and the woman said unto Joab, behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall; she knew the fright the inhabitants of the city were in, and how disposed they were to do anything to save their city; she knew what influence she had among them, and how weak Sheba's party was, and therefore could assure Joab that this should be done.

Gill: 2Sa 20:22 - -- Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom,.... Went from the wall of the city into it, and convened the principal inhabitants together, an...

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom,.... Went from the wall of the city into it, and convened the principal inhabitants together, and made so wise a speech to them, and represented things in such a light, and so prudently conducted, that they unanimously agreed to her motion:

and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab; whose face Joab knew full well, and was satisfied it was his head that was thrown over:

and he blew a trumpet; as a sign of retreat:

and they retired from the city, every man to his tent; the army under Joab broke up the siege, and departed, every man to his own city, as the Targum:

and Joab returned unto Jerusalem unto the king; to give him an account of his success, and how the rebellion was crushed; and this gave him courage and boldness to appear before the king, which one would wonder else he should have, when he had killed his general in cold blood, the king had sent out, and without his leave had reassumed his post as general of the army; but he was a bold daring man, a man of blood, and hardened in sin, and had power in the army, and over David himself, that he could not do what he would with him, but was obliged to be silent, and overlook things, and even to reestablish him in his office, as appears by what follows.

Gill: 2Sa 20:23 - -- Now Joab was over all the host of Israel,.... Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been never displaced, which though Davi...

Now Joab was over all the host of Israel,.... Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been never displaced, which though David thought to do, he was not able to effect it, because of his power and influence with the people; or if he had displaced him, which by some things in this chapter seemed to be the case, yet Amasa being dead, and the rebellion crushed by Joab, which still made him more haughty, and increased his popularity, David saw it most advisable to replace him; and because mention is made of him, as established in his office as general over the whole army, an account is given of the rest of David's officers; and the rather, as it was a sort of beginning his reign anew, after quelling the above rebellions:

and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites, and over the Pelethites; was continued in his post, see 2Sa 8:18.

Gill: 2Sa 20:24 - -- And Adoram was over the tribute,.... Or over those that collected and brought it, as the Targum; this was a new office, and which respected both the ...

And Adoram was over the tribute,.... Or over those that collected and brought it, as the Targum; this was a new office, and which respected both the revenue he received from his own people, and the tribute brought him from the nations conquered by him:

and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; who was in this office before, and now continued and established in it, 2Sa 8:16.

Gill: 2Sa 20:25 - -- And Sheva was scribe,.... Either the same with Benaiah, or he was dead or removed, and Sheva was put in his place, see 2Sa 8:17, and Zadok and Abi...

And Sheva was scribe,.... Either the same with Benaiah, or he was dead or removed, and Sheva was put in his place, see 2Sa 8:17,

and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; as before; See Gill on 2Sa 8:17.

Gill: 2Sa 20:26 - -- And Ira also the Jairite,.... Which some take to be the same with Ira the Ithrite, 2Sa 23:38; a son of Jether or Ithra the Israelite, 2Sa 17:25; thoug...

And Ira also the Jairite,.... Which some take to be the same with Ira the Ithrite, 2Sa 23:38; a son of Jether or Ithra the Israelite, 2Sa 17:25; though others suppose he was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 2Sa 23:26; and so the Targum here calls him Ira the Jairite, which was of Tekoah; and Tekoah being the chief place in Israel for oil olive d, with which the lamps were lighted, Jarchi thinks he had the name of Jairite from Jair, which signifies to enlighten; but rather he was a descendant from Jair the Gileadite, and perhaps was a great friend to David when in Gilead, and from whence he brought him and promoted him: for he

was a chief ruler about David; a prime minister, an intimate friend, the chief of his privy council; perhaps he succeeded Ahithophel; it is much we hear nothing of Hushai.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:11 Heb “takes delight in.”

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:12 Heb “Amasa.” For stylistic reasons the name has been replaced by the pronoun (“him”) in the translation.

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:13 Heb “him”; the referent (Amasa) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:14 The translation follows the Qere, many medieval Hebrew mss, and the ancient versions in reading וַיִּקּ’...

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:15 The LXX has here ἐνοοῦσαν (enoousan, “were devising”), which apparently presupposes the Hebrew w...

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:19 Heb “a city and a mother.” The expression is a hendiadys, meaning that this city was an important one in Israel and had smaller cities dep...

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:20 Heb “Far be it, far be it from me.” The expression is clearly emphatic, as may be seen in part by the repetition. P. K. McCarter, however,...

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:21 Heb “Look!”

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:22 Heb “his tents.”

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:24 Heb “was over the forced labor.”

NET Notes: 2Sa 20:26 Heb “priest for David.” KJV (“a chief ruler about David”) and ASV (“chief minister unto David”) regarded this offi...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:11 And one of Joab's men ( h ) stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that [is] for David, [let him go] after Joab. ( h ) He stood by Am...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to ( i ) Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also ...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:15 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 [...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:18 Then she spake, saying, ( l ) They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel: and so they ended [the matter]. (...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:19 I [am ( m ) 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 ...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:21 The ( n ) 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 Da...

Geneva Bible: 2Sa 20:26 And Ira also the Jairite was a ( o ) chief ruler about David. ( o ) Either in dignity or familiarity.

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Sa 20:1-26 - --1 By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba makes a party in Israel.3 David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life.4 Amasa, made captain over Judah,...

MHCC: 2Sa 20:4-13 - --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 k...

MHCC: 2Sa 20:14-22 - --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 Ch...

MHCC: 2Sa 20:23-26 - --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 ...

Matthew Henry: 2Sa 20:4-13 - -- We have here Amasa's fall just as he began to rise. He was nephew to David (2Sa 17:25), had been Absalom's general and commander-in-chief of his reb...

Matthew Henry: 2Sa 20:14-22 - -- We have here the conclusion of Sheba's attempt. I. The rebel, when he had rambled over all the tribes of Israel, and found them not so willing, upon...

Matthew Henry: 2Sa 20:23-26 - -- Here is an account of the state of David's court after his restoration. Joab retained the office of general, being too great to be displaced. Benaia...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Sa 20:1-22 - -- Sheba's Rebellion. - 2Sa 20:1. There happened to be a worthless man there, named Sheba , a Benjaminite. He blew the trumpet, and said, "We have no ...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Sa 20:23-26 - -- David's Ministers of State. - The second section of the history of David's reign closes, like the first (2Sa 8:16.), with a list of the leading mini...

Constable: 2Sa 9:1--20:26 - --VI. DAVID'S TROUBLES chs. 9--20 Chapters 9-20 contrast with chapters 2-8 in that this later section is negative ...

Constable: 2Sa 13:1--20:26 - --C. David's Rejection and Return chs. 13-20 This is the longest literary section in the Court History of ...

Constable: 2Sa 15:1--20:26 - --2. Absalom's attempt to usurp David's throne chs. 15-20 Absalom was never Yahweh's choice to suc...

Constable: 2Sa 20:1-22 - --The rebellion of Sheba 20:1-22 "The account of Sheba's rebellion against David serves as...

Constable: 2Sa 20:23-26 - --David's administrators 20:23-26 "With Joab's return to the king in Jerusalem, the grand ...

Guzik: 2Sa 20:1-26 - --2 Samuel 20 - The Rebellion of Sheba A. David returns to Jerusalem and to an insurrection. 1. (1-2) Sheba's rebellion. And there happened to be th...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF SAMUEL. The two were, by the ancient Jews, conjoined so as to make one book, and in that form could be called the Book o...

JFB: 2 Samuel (Outline) AN AMALEKITE BRINGS TIDINGS OF SAUL'S DEATH. (2Sa. 1:1-16) DAVID LAMENTS SAUL AND JONATHAN. (2Sa 1:17-27) DAVID, BY GOD'S DIRECTION, GOES UP TO HEBRO...

TSK: 2 Samuel 20 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Sa 20:1, By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba makes a party in Israel; 2Sa 20:3, David’s ten concubines are put in confinement for life; ...

Poole: 2 Samuel 20 (Chapter Introduction) SAMUEL CHAPTER 20 By occasion of this quarrel Sheba stirreth up Israel to sedition, 2Sa 20:1,2 . David’ s ten concubines are shut up in perpet...

MHCC: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) This book is the history of the reign of king David. It relates his victories, the growth of the prosperity of Israel, and his reformation of the stat...

MHCC: 2 Samuel 20 (Chapter Introduction) (2Sa 20:1-3) Sheba's rebellion. (2Sa 20:4-13) Amasa slain by Joab. (2Sa 20:14-22) Sheba takes refuge in Abel. (2Sa 20:23-26) David's officers.

Matthew Henry: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Book of Samuel This book is the history of the reign of king David. We had in the foregoing ...

Matthew Henry: 2 Samuel 20 (Chapter Introduction) How do the clouds return after the rain! No sooner is one of David's troubles over than another arises, as it were out of the ashes of the former, ...

Constable: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) Introduction Second Samuel continues the history begun in 1 Samuel. Please see my comments regarding 2 Samuel's title, d...

Constable: 2 Samuel (Outline) Outline (Continued from notes on 1 Samuel) V. David's triumphs chs. 1-8 ...

Constable: 2 Samuel 2 Samuel Bibliography Achtemeier, Paul J., and Elizabeth Achtemeier. The Old Testament Roots of Our Faith. Phil...

Haydock: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL; otherwise called, THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS. INTRODUCTION. This Book contains the transactions of David till the end ...

Gill: 2 Samuel (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 SAMUEL This book, in many copies of the Hebrew Bible, is carried on without any new title put unto it; the reason of it is, becau...

Gill: 2 Samuel 20 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 20 This chapter gives an account of a new rebellion raised by Sheba, 2Sa 20:1; of David's shutting up his concubines ...

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