Sheba’s Rebellion: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Samuel 20

Executive Summary ✨

2 Samuel 20 details the uprising led by Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjamite, against King David. This chapter reveals the lingering discontent after Absalom’s rebellion and highlights the vulnerabilities within David’s kingdom. The swift response of Joab and Abishai, though marred by Joab’s treachery against Amasa, underscores the importance of decisive action in maintaining stability. Abel Beth Maachah becomes the focal point, ultimately yielding to a wise woman’s plea to avert destruction. The chapter culminates in a list of David’s officials, providing a glimpse into the administration of the kingdom after a period of immense turmoil. Ultimately, **Sheba’s Rebellion** reveals not only the fragility of power but also the need for wisdom, justice, and vigilance in leadership. The chapter showcases the complexities of human ambition and the devastating consequences of division, prompting us to reflect on the unity and stability we strive for in our own lives and communities.

2 Samuel 20 presents us with a volatile situation, a spark igniting into a potential conflagration. The focus is on Sheba’s rebellion, but more fundamentally, it exposes the simmering resentments that can quickly destabilize a kingdom. Let’s delve into this chapter, examining its details through the lens of our Coptic Orthodox faith, seeking wisdom for our own spiritual journeys.

Commentary Sections 📜

2 Samuel 20:1 (KJV)

And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

2 Samuel 20:1 (NKJV)

And there happened to be there a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said: “We have no share in David, Nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; Every man to his tent, O Israel!”

Here, Sheba, identified as a “man of Belial” (a term denoting wickedness and worthlessness), initiates the rebellion. His call, “We have no part in David,” resonates with existing tensions, likely fueled by tribal rivalries and the perceived favoritism towards Judah after Absalom’s defeat. This reflects a deep-seated spiritual issue: the sin of division. St. Basil the Great warns against such discord: “Ἡ γὰρ διχοστασία, θάνατος ἐστίν” (“For division is death”) (St. Basil, *Homiliae*, 9.1). This verse emphasizes the destructive power of division, something we must guard against in our own lives and communities.

Spiritual Application: Examine areas in your life where division or resentment might be taking root. Pray for humility and reconciliation.

2 Samuel 20:2 (KJV)

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

2 Samuel 20:2 (NKJV)

Therefore every man of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah remained loyal to their king, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem.

The division intensifies as most of Israel follows Sheba, while Judah remains loyal. This geographical and tribal split is significant. Judah, being David’s own tribe, understandably exhibits stronger allegiance. However, the widespread defection underscores the fragility of David’s authority and the underlying discontent among the other tribes. This reveals a critical point: Loyalty isn’t just a matter of command; it’s earned through justice, fairness, and genuine care for the people. This division highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ. As St. Paul reminds us, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10). For those seeking the cornerstone of our faith, exploring cheap web hosting can be an invaluable first step.

Spiritual Application: Pray for unity within your Church and community. Examine your own heart for any biases or prejudices that might hinder reconciliation.

2 Samuel 20:3 (KJV)

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

2 Samuel 20:3 (NKJV)

Now David came to his house at Jerusalem. And the king took the ten women, his concubines whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in seclusion and supported them, but did not go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.

David’s action regarding his concubines is a direct consequence of Absalom’s public act of defilement (2 Samuel 16:22). He isolates them, providing for them but denying them marital intimacy. This serves as a form of protection and perhaps a sign of his own remorse and shame. While seemingly harsh, this action reflects the cultural norms of the time and underscores the grave consequences of Absalom’s sin and its enduring impact on David’s household. This reminds us of the long-lasting effects of sin, even after forgiveness. Repentance is vital, but the scars can remain. The Book of Wisdom speaks to this: “For wickedness does not overcome wisdom; neither shall hell prevail against her.” (Wisdom 7:30, Orthodox Study Bible).

Spiritual Application: Reflect on the long-term consequences of your actions. Seek forgiveness and healing from the wounds of the past.

2 Samuel 20:4-6 (KJV)

Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord’s servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

2 Samuel 20:4-6 (NKJV)

And the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days, and be present here.” So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah; but he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find fortified cities for himself, and escape us.”

David’s command to Amasa to assemble the army highlights his immediate concern about Sheba’s rebellion. Amasa’s delay prompts David to task Abishai with the pursuit, indicating the urgency of the situation. David fears Sheba might establish fortified positions, making him even harder to defeat. This demonstrates the importance of timely action when dealing with threats, both physical and spiritual. The Fathers often emphasize the importance of vigilance in spiritual warfare. St. Anthony the Great said, “Ἀεὶ προσδοκᾶτε πειρασμούς, καὶ μὴ ἀμελεῖτε τῆς φυλακῆς τῆς ψυχῆς ὑμῶν.” (“Always expect temptations, and do not neglect the guarding of your soul.”) (St. Anthony, *Letters*, 3).

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against spiritual temptations. Address problems promptly before they escalate.

2 Samuel 20:7-10 (KJV)

And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. And Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out. And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

2 Samuel 20:7-10 (NKJV)

And after him went Joab’s men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men. And they went out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came before them. Now Joab was wearing military dress, and over it was a belt with a sword fastened in its sheath at his side; and as he went forward, it fell out. Then Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in good health, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not notice the sword that was in Joab’s hand. And he struck him with it in the fifth rib and thrust it through so that his entrails poured out on the ground; and he did not strike him again. Thus he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.

This passage is disturbing due to Joab’s treacherous murder of Amasa. Driven by jealousy and resentment over being replaced as commander, Joab uses deception to kill Amasa. This act highlights the destructive nature of envy and the lengths to which people will go to maintain power. Joab’s actions are a stark contrast to the Christian call for love and forgiveness. Such behavior stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Christ, where love and forgiveness are paramount. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). This passage is a sobering reminder of the darkness that can reside in the human heart.

Spiritual Application: Guard your heart against envy and resentment. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation when you have wronged someone.

2 Samuel 20:11-13 (KJV)

And one of Joab’s men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab. And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still. When he was taken out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

2 Samuel 20:11-13 (NKJV)

Meanwhile one of Joab’s men stood by Amasa, and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, follow Joab!” But Amasa wallowed in his blood in the middle of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he moved Amasa from the highway to a field and threw a garment over him, when he saw that everyone who came by him stood still. When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

The reaction to Amasa’s death is telling. The soldiers, initially shocked and hesitant, are spurred into action by Joab’s loyal man. This demonstrates how easily people can be swayed by leadership, even when that leadership is morally compromised. The focus quickly shifts from mourning Amasa to pursuing Sheba, highlighting the pragmatic nature of warfare. This reminds us that even in times of grief and injustice, life goes on. However, it’s crucial to remember those who have been wronged and to seek justice for them. The Psalmist cries out, “Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.” (Psalm 82:3).

Spiritual Application: Be discerning in your allegiances. Don’t blindly follow a leader without questioning their motives and actions.

2 Samuel 20:14-15 (KJV)

And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him. And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the rampart: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

2 Samuel 20:14-15 (NKJV)

Then he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maachah and to all the Berites. And they gathered together and followed him. Now they came and besieged him in Abel Beth Maachah; and they cast up a siege mound against the city, and it stood by the rampart. And all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down.

Sheba seeks refuge in Abel Beth Maachah, a city known for its wisdom and peaceful inhabitants. Joab’s army besieges the city, threatening its destruction. The siege warfare described highlights the harsh realities of the ancient world. The city’s fate hangs in the balance, dependent on the actions of a single individual. The location of Abel Beth Maachah, near the borders of Israel and Aram, made it a strategic point, often contested in conflicts. This underscores the constant tension and instability of the region during that period.

Spiritual Application: Remember that even seemingly insignificant locations or individuals can play a crucial role in larger conflicts. Pray for peace in troubled regions.

2 Samuel 20:16-22 (KJV)

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hearken unto the words of thine handmaid. And Joab answered, I do hear. Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? And Joab answered and said, God forbid that I should swallow up or destroy. The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent: and Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

2 Samuel 20:16-22 (NKJV)

Then a wise woman cried out from the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come nearby, that I may speak with you.’” When he had come nearby to her, the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your maidservant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” So she spoke, saying, “They used to say in former times, ‘They shall surely seek guidance from Abel,’ and so they would end disputes. I am one of the peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city which is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?” And Joab answered and said, “Far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy! That is not so. But a man from the mountains of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him only, and I will depart from the city.” Then the woman said to Joab, “Look, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” So the woman in her wisdom went to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. Then he blew a trumpet, and they withdrew from the city, every man to his tent. So Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.

The wise woman of Abel Beth Maachah skillfully negotiates with Joab, appealing to his sense of reason and preventing the destruction of her city. Her wisdom and diplomacy highlight the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. She reminds Joab of Abel’s reputation as a place of counsel, emphasizing its value and importance. Her plea, “Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?” resonates with the sanctity of the city and its people. Ultimately, she uses her wisdom to convince the people to betray Sheba, saving their city. This passage underscores the immense power of wisdom and diplomacy in preventing bloodshed. It reminds us of the words of Proverbs: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). This is a powerful example of how wisdom and negotiation can avert disaster.

Spiritual Application: Seek wisdom in your dealings with others. Use your words to build bridges and resolve conflicts peacefully.

2 Samuel 20:23-26 (KJV)

Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites: And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests: And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

2 Samuel 20:23-26 (NKJV)

Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; and Ira the Jairite was David’s chief minister.

The chapter concludes with a list of David’s officials, providing insight into the administration of the kingdom after the turmoil of rebellion. This list highlights the structure and organization of David’s government. Joab, despite his treacherous act, remains in command of the army. The presence of other key officials, such as the recorder, scribe, and priests, underscores the importance of various roles in maintaining a stable and functioning kingdom. This glimpse into David’s administration reminds us of the importance of good governance and the need for qualified individuals in positions of authority.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the importance of order and organization in your own life. Seek to fulfill your responsibilities with diligence and integrity.

Subtopic Sections 💡

The events surrounding Sheba’s Rebellion offer several valuable insights. Here are some key reflections:

• The Fragility of Unity: Even after David consolidated his power, underlying tensions could quickly erupt into open rebellion. Unity is not a static state but requires constant effort and attention.
• The Consequences of Discontent: Sheba’s rebellion was fueled by existing dissatisfaction among the tribes of Israel. Unaddressed grievances can fester and lead to instability.
• The Peril of Ambition: Joab’s actions demonstrate the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The pursuit of power can lead to betrayal and violence.
• The Power of Wisdom: The wise woman of Abel Beth Maachah shows how wisdom and diplomacy can avert disaster and preserve peace.
• The Importance of Justice: The rebellion highlights the need for just leadership and fair treatment for all. Perceived injustices can breed resentment and rebellion.
• The Sovereignty of God: Even amidst chaos and rebellion, God’s plan unfolds. He uses even flawed individuals and difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some common questions about this chapter:

• Q: Why did so many people follow Sheba?

  A: Sheba capitalized on existing tribal tensions and resentment towards David’s leadership. The perception that Judah was favored likely contributed to the widespread support for his rebellion.

• Q: Was Joab’s murder of Amasa justified?

  A: Absolutely not. Joab’s actions were driven by jealousy and a lust for power. His betrayal and murder of Amasa were a grave sin, violating the principles of justice and love.

• Q: What was the significance of Abel Beth Maachah?

  A: Abel Beth Maachah was known for its wisdom and peaceful inhabitants. Its location near the border also made it a strategic point. The wise woman’s actions demonstrate the city’s reputation for counsel and diplomacy.

• Q: What can we learn from the wise woman of Abel Beth Maachah?

  A: She teaches us the power of wisdom, diplomacy, and courage in the face of conflict. Her skillful negotiation and persuasive arguments prevented the destruction of her city.

Conclusion ✨

**Sheba’s Rebellion**, though a brief episode in David’s reign, offers profound spiritual lessons. It reveals the fragility of unity, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the power of wisdom. The chapter serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against envy and resentment, to seek justice and reconciliation, and to rely on God’s wisdom in navigating the complexities of life. Let us strive to be peacemakers, like the wise woman of Abel Beth Maachah, and to contribute to the building of a more just and harmonious world, grounded in the love and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wisdom of the chapter resonates even today, highlighting the need for vigilance, justice, and unity in all aspects of our lives. As Christians, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, bridging divides and fostering understanding, reflecting the very heart of God.

Tags

2 Samuel 20, Sheba’s Rebellion, David, Joab, Amasa, Abel Beth Maachah, Wisdom, Rebellion, Unity, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Old Testament

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Explore 2 Samuel 20: Sheba’s Rebellion with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the spiritual lessons of unity, ambition, and wisdom in this pivotal chapter. A detailed verse-by-verse commentary.