2 Samuel 20:14-26
14 Now he went on through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, that is, Beth-maacah, and all the Berites; and they assembled and went after him as well.
15 And they came and besieged him in Abel Beth-maacah, and they built up an assault ramp against the city, and it stood against the outer rampart; and all the people who were with Joab were wreaking destruction in order to topple the wall.
16 Then a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen, listen! Please tell Joab, ‘Come here that I may speak with you.’ ”
17 So he approached her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” And he answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your slave.” And he said, “I am listening.”
18 Then she spoke, saying, “In the past they used to say, ‘They will undoubtedly ask advice at Abel,’ and that is how they ended a dispute.
19 I am one of those who are ready for peace and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city, even a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?”
20 Joab replied, “Far be it, far be it from me that I would consume or destroy!
21 Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against King David. Only turn him over, and I will depart from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”
22 Then the woman wisely came to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, each to his tent. Joab also returned to the king at Jerusalem.
23 Now Joab was in command of the entire army of Israel, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
24 and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the secretary;
25 and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
26 Ira the Jairite also was a priest to David.
Sheba’s Death
The pursuit
David’s army, led by Joab, pursued the rebel, Sheba, as far as the north of the Sea of Galilee. Sheba took refuge in the town of Abel Beth-maacah, near the northernmost border of Israel. (1) To attack the town, Joab and his men built a siege ramp and planned to breach the wall and storm the city. (2) At that moment, a wise woman from within the city called out to Joab. She questioned him, asking why he intended to destroy “a city, even a mother in Israel” (meaning a city known for its deep insight and significance in Israel). Behind her inquiry lies the principle found in Deuteronomy 20:10-15: “When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace…” (3) Joab promised that if they would hand over Sheba, who is the source of the rebellion, he would not destroy the city. (4) Then the woman, using her wisdom, persuaded the people of the town, had Sheba beheaded, and threw his head down to Joab. (5) In this way, the rebellion was quelled, and the battle came to an end. Let us pay attention to the wisdom of this woman. Wisdom is different from knowledge. Wisdom is the discernment and judgment displayed when facing real-life problems. Whether one possesses wisdom is not determined by gender, status, age, or level of education. This woman saved the entire town by identifying and removing the true issue (the rebel, Sheba). We too need to exercise this kind of wisdom in our own lives. Is there an issue within you that must be addressed? Removing it may lead you to life of abundance. Let us seek wisdom from the Lord.
Joab’s return
With the battle concluded, the people returned to their own homes. Joab returned to King David in Jerusalem and once again resumed his position as commander of the army. Although David had wished to remove Joab, he was never able to take firm action against him throughout his lifetime. It was David’s son Solomon who ultimately carried it out. David could not take a firm stance against Joab because, ever since the Bathsheba incident, Joab held leverage over him. The price of sin is exceedingly great.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please grant me wisdom, so that I may make daily choices guided by that wisdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.