2 Samuel 20:13

KJV

When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

KJV (with Strong's)

When he was removed {H3014} out of the highway {H4546}, all the people {H376} went on {H5674} after {H310} Joab {H3097}, to pursue {H7291} after {H310} Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Once he had been removed from the road, all the troops went on after Yo'av, to pursue Sheva the son of Bikhri.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as Amasa’s body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.

American Standard Version

When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 20:13 marks a critical turning point in the pursuit of Sheba's rebellion, immediately following Joab's cold-blooded assassination of Amasa, David's newly appointed army commander. The verse describes the swift removal of Amasa's body from the main highway, which had caused the advancing troops to halt. With the gruesome obstruction cleared, the army promptly resumed its march under Joab's de facto leadership, continuing their urgent mission to apprehend Sheba, highlighting the grim pragmatism and relentless drive of military operations in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of Absalom's rebellion and King David's return to Jerusalem. The kingdom remains fractured, and a new threat quickly emerges in Sheba, a Benjaminite, who incites a fresh revolt, drawing away the men of Israel from David ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion")). In an attempt to reassert control and perhaps diminish Joab's influence, David had appointed Amasa, his nephew and former commander of Absalom's army, as the new commander of Israel's forces ([2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David Appoints Amasa")). Joab, ever the ruthless pragmatist and fiercely protective of his position, intercepts Amasa near Gibeon and, under the guise of a greeting, murders him in a shockingly deceptive manner, mirroring his earlier slaying of Abner ([2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner")). Amasa's body, lying conspicuously in the middle of the road, became a literal and psychological impediment, causing the pursuing army to stop, thus hindering the vital mission against Sheba. The verse describes the necessary action taken to remove this obstruction and allow the pursuit to continue.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign, particularly after the Absalom rebellion, was marked by significant political instability and power struggles within his own household and among his military commanders. The concept of loyalty was paramount, yet often tested by ambition and tribal allegiances. Military campaigns required swift and decisive action, and any obstruction, whether physical or psychological, could jeopardize the entire mission. The public display of a body, especially of a prominent figure, would have been a profoundly disturbing sight, capable of demoralizing troops or even inciting further unrest. Joab's actions reflect the brutal realities of ancient warfare and power politics, where the elimination of rivals was often a direct, if morally reprehensible, means to secure command and achieve military objectives. The "highway" or "main road" would have been a well-trafficked route, making Amasa's body a highly visible and unavoidable impediment to the army's progress.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the Deuteronomistic History. **Ruthless Ambition** is vividly portrayed in Joab's actions, as he eliminates a rival to reclaim his undisputed command, demonstrating his unwavering determination to maintain power at any cost. This highlights the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure it. The theme of **Pragmatism Over Morality** is also evident; despite witnessing a horrific act of treachery, the army's immediate concern shifts to the practical necessity of continuing the pursuit. Once the physical and psychological obstruction of Amasa's body is removed, the troops, driven by military objective, resume their mission, underscoring how expediency can overshadow ethical considerations in times of conflict. Furthermore, the verse literally exemplifies **The Impact of Obstacles**, showing how a single, disturbing impediment can halt collective progress. Only by addressing and removing the hindrance ("When he was removed out of the highway") could the mission proceed, serving as a powerful metaphor for the necessity of overcoming literal or metaphorical obstacles in any endeavor. Finally, Joab's actions, though morally reprehensible, effectively demonstrate the **Consolidation of Power**, as he swiftly reasserts his control over the army, enabling him to lead the charge against the rebellion and restore order, albeit through violent means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _sûr'_):** The verb סוּר (_sûr_) means "to turn aside, depart, take away, remove." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and decisive act of clearing an obstruction. It implies that Amasa's body was not merely moved accidentally but was intentionally taken out of the way to facilitate the army's movement. This action underscores the urgency of the situation and the practical mindset of the military, prioritizing the mission's progress over the solemnity of the deceased.
* **highway (Hebrew, _mesillah'_):** The noun מְסִלָּה (_mesillah_) refers to a "raised road, highway, main thoroughfare." This term emphasizes that Amasa's body was lying in a prominent, central, and essential pathway for travel. Its presence on the "highway" meant it was a direct and unavoidable impediment to the entire army, making its removal absolutely necessary for the continuation of the pursuit. The public nature of the highway also highlights the scandalous and disruptive impact of Joab's deed.
* **went on (Hebrew, _‘āvar'_):** The verb עָבַר (_‘āvar_) means "to pass over, cross, go on, proceed." This word directly conveys the resumption of movement and progress. Once the obstacle was cleared, the army's forward momentum, which had been momentarily halted, was immediately restored. It emphasizes the swift transition from stagnation to action, demonstrating the army's singular focus on its military objective under Joab's renewed command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he was removed out of the highway,"**: This clause describes the immediate and practical solution to the problem presented by Amasa's body. The preceding verses (2 Samuel 20:11-12) explain that a young man was tasked with drawing the people's attention away from the gruesome sight and urging them to follow Joab. However, the physical presence of the body continued to cause a bottleneck. This phrase signifies the point at which the body was physically taken off the main road, likely into a field, allowing the flow of troops to resume without the disturbing visual and physical impediment.
* **"all the people went on after Joab,"**: This phrase indicates the swift and decisive re-establishment of Joab's de facto leadership. Despite his treacherous act, or perhaps because of his ruthless efficiency, the army immediately resumed following him. This demonstrates the soldiers' primary allegiance to the one who could lead them effectively in battle, even if his methods were morally reprehensible. It also speaks to the immediate need for a commander in a time of rebellion.
* **"to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."**: This final clause clarifies the overarching objective that was momentarily interrupted. The pursuit of Sheba, who had instigated a new rebellion against David, was the urgent military priority. The removal of Amasa's body and the resumption of the march were all directed towards this singular goal, underscoring the relentless nature of the military campaign and the determination to quash the uprising.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Samuel 20:13 employs several potent literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Irony** at play: Joab's murderous act, which should have alienated the troops, instead serves to consolidate his power and allows the army to resume its mission under his command. His ruthless efficiency, rather than his moral standing, dictates the outcome. **Symbolism** is also evident, with Amasa's body serving as a powerful symbol of an obstacle – both a literal physical impediment to the army's movement and a moral impediment, representing the internal corruption and treachery within David's own ranks. Its removal signifies the army's pragmatic decision to overlook the moral implications for the sake of immediate military objectives. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates effective **Pacing**, as the sudden halt caused by the body is quickly resolved, leading to an immediate resumption of the narrative's forward momentum, mirroring the army's renewed pursuit. This rapid shift emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the army's single-minded focus on its mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 20:13, while describing a seemingly mundane logistical action, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of leadership, sin, and divine sovereignty within the Davidic kingdom. It starkly illustrates the consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises that arise in the pursuit of power. Joab's repeated acts of treachery (compare his murder of Abner in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner")) highlight the pervasive nature of sin, even among those ostensibly serving God's anointed king. Yet, even amidst such human depravity and political chaos, God's overarching purpose for David's kingdom continues to unfold. The removal of the obstacle, while driven by human expediency, allows the narrative to progress towards the quelling of the rebellion, which ultimately serves to stabilize David's throne, a throne established by divine promise ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The passage implicitly raises questions about the nature of leadership, loyalty, and the difficult choices made in times of crisis, reminding us that God often works through imperfect instruments and amidst deeply flawed human actions to achieve His sovereign will.

* [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner")
* [2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David Appoints Amasa")
* [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound insights into human nature, leadership, and the challenges of pursuing a mission in the face of obstacles, both literal and metaphorical. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the morally compromising decisions that can arise in power struggles. Joab's actions compel us to examine our own motivations: are we willing to sacrifice ethical standards for the sake of efficiency or personal gain? The army's immediate resumption of the pursuit after the obstacle was removed highlights the pragmatic focus on objectives, but it also challenges us to consider whether our pursuit of goals ever blinds us to the moral cost. In our own lives, we often encounter "Amasas" – unexpected obstacles, emotional baggage, unresolved conflicts, or even our own sinful tendencies – that halt our progress. The verse implicitly asks us: What "bodies" do we need to "remove from the highway" of our lives to move forward in our spiritual journey, our relationships, or our callings? This story prompts reflection on the choices we make when faced with difficult circumstances and the critical balance between achieving goals and upholding ethical and godly standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "obstacles" (physical, emotional, spiritual) are currently hindering your progress in life or faith?**
* **How do you balance the need for practical action with ethical and moral considerations in your decision-making?**
* **In what ways might unchecked ambition manifest in your own life or in the organizations you are part of?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of leadership, both good and bad?**

### FAQ
**Why was Amasa's body such a hindrance to the army's progress?**

Answer: Amasa's body was a hindrance for several reasons, both practical and psychological. Practically, it lay "in the highway" ([2 Samuel 20:12](/2_samuel/20-12 "2 Samuel 20:12 - Amasa's Body in the Road")), meaning it was directly in the path of the advancing army, forcing them to stop or divert. Psychologically, the sight of the murdered commander, especially one who had only recently been appointed by King David ([2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David Appoints Amasa")), was shocking and disturbing. The text notes that "every one that came by him stood still" ([2 Samuel 20:12](/2_samuel/20-12 "2 Samuel 20:12 - Amasa's Body in the Road")), indicating that the gruesome scene was causing a literal bottleneck and demoralizing effect on the troops. It was a stark reminder of Joab's brutality and the instability within David's kingdom, diverting the soldiers' attention from their primary mission of pursuing Sheba. Its removal was essential to restore focus and momentum.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 20:13 describes a moment of human treachery and pragmatic violence, it subtly points to the ultimate, perfect leadership and obstacle-removing work of Jesus Christ. Joab, through ruthless ambition, clears a physical impediment to pursue a human enemy, reasserting his flawed authority. In stark contrast, Christ, the true King and perfect Commander, came not to assert power through violence, but through self-sacrifice, clearing the ultimate spiritual obstacle: sin and death. Whereas Amasa's body was a literal stumbling block, Christ's body, broken on the cross, became the means by which the greatest impediment between humanity and God was removed ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances")). His resurrection ensures that the "way" to God is now clear and open for all who believe ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Joab's pursuit of Sheba was a temporary quelling of rebellion, but Christ's pursuit is the eternal establishment of His kingdom, overcoming all spiritual rebellion and bringing true peace and reconciliation ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). The swiftness with which the army resumed its march after the obstacle was removed foreshadows the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom under Christ's leadership, where no obstacle, not even death, can ultimately hinder His redemptive plan ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 36:2

And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.

Mark 10:46

¶ And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

Numbers 20:19

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without [doing] any thing [else], go through on my feet.

Isaiah 7:3

Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;

Judges 21:19

Then they said, Behold, [there is] a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly [in a place] which [is] on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

Proverbs 16:17

¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Jeremiah 31:21

Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, [even] the way [which] thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.