2 Samuel 20:14

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went {H5674} through all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} unto Abel {H59}, and to Bethmaachah {H1038}, and all the Berites {H1276}: and they were gathered together {H6950}{H7035}, and went {H935} also after {H310} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sheva went through all the tribes of Isra'el, to Avel and Beit-Ma'akhah, and to all the Berim; they assembled and followed him.

Berean Standard Bible

Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.

American Standard Version

And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maacah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 20:14 vividly portrays the strategic movements of Sheba, son of Bichri, as he actively consolidates his rebellion against King David. This verse details his journey through the northern territories of Israel, specifically highlighting his successful recruitment efforts in Abel-beth-maachah and among the Berites, thereby demonstrating the expanding geographical reach and growing strength of his insurgent movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the dramatic and fragile resolution of Absalom's rebellion and King David's tumultuous return to Jerusalem. The kingdom, though nominally reunited, remains deeply fractured, particularly along the ancient tribal lines separating Judah from the northern tribes of Israel. Sheba, a Benjamite, shrewdly exploits this lingering discontent and the perceived favoritism shown towards Judah by David, issuing a defiant rallying cry for secession in [2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion"). The narrative swiftly shifts to Joab's determined pursuit of Sheba, and verse 14 specifically chronicles Sheba's tactical retreat and intensive recruitment efforts as he moves northward. This sets the immediate stage for the climactic siege at Abel-beth-maachah, which becomes the focal point of the conflict detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion and Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the aftermath of Absalom's defeat, David's attempts to reconcile with the northern tribes were met with significant resentment, especially from the tribe of Benjamin, which had lost its royal lineage (Saul) to David's ascendancy. Sheba, being a Benjamite, skillfully leveraged this deep-seated tribalistic sentiment and the broader disaffection among those who felt neglected by David's administration or who preferred a leader from their own region. The mention of "Abel, and to Bethmaachah" (referring to Abel-beth-maachah) pinpoints a heavily fortified city in the far north of Israel, strategically located near the borders of Syria. Such a location was ideal for a rebel leader to establish a stronghold, being distant from Jerusalem and potentially capable of drawing support from a region less directly controlled by David's central authority. The "Berites" most likely refer to the inhabitants of Beeroth, a Gibeonite city within the territory of Benjamin, or a broader regional designation, indicating that Sheba's support base extended beyond the northern tribes to include elements from his own home region.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several persistent themes found throughout the Books of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Disunity and Fragmentation** within Israel are paramount, demonstrating that even after a major civil war, the kingdom remained highly susceptible to internal strife and tribal loyalties that often superseded national unity, a recurring problem evident from the period of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 12:1-6](/judges/12-1-6 "Judges 12:1-6 - Ephraim's Quarrel with Jephthah")). Sheba's actions vividly highlight the theme of **Usurpation and Challenge to Authority**, as he directly opposes David's divinely appointed kingship, mirroring and extending the pattern set by Absalom's earlier rebellion. Furthermore, the strategic movement and successful gathering of forces described here reflect the ongoing theme of **Leadership and Governance Challenges**, as David is continually forced to reassert his authority and maintain control over a volatile and often fractious kingdom. This showcases the immense difficulties of ruling a diverse people, a challenge also seen in the early reign of Saul in [1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul's Victory at Jabesh-Gilead").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From the primitive root H5674, this verb means "to cross over" and is used very widely to describe any transition, literal or figurative. In this context, it emphasizes Sheba's purposeful and strategic movement, not merely wandering, but actively transitioning through territories to achieve his rebellious aims. It conveys the deliberate nature of his journey to gather support.
* **Bethmaachah (Hebrew, _Bêyth Maʻăkâh'_):** From H1038, meaning "house of Maakah," this refers to Beth-Maakah, a specific place in Palestine. Often combined with "Abel" to form Abel-beth-maachah, it signifies a key northern fortified city. Its mention highlights the strategic importance of Sheba's chosen destination as a secure base for his rebellion, far from David's immediate reach.
* **gathered together (Hebrew, _qâhal'_):** From H6950 (and related to H7035), this primitive root means "to convoke; assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together)." This term implies a deliberate and successful act of assembling people. It underscores that Sheba was effective in his recruitment, not just encountering people, but actively consolidating them into a cohesive and organized force, indicating the growing strength and intentionality of his rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites:":** This initial clause details Sheba's calculated and purposeful journey. He is not aimlessly wandering but moving with a clear objective: to garner support from the various northern tribes and establish a stronghold in a defensible location. The phrase "all the tribes of Israel" (implicitly excluding Judah, which largely remained loyal to David) underscores the widespread nature of the disaffection Sheba exploited. His destination, Abel-beth-maachah, indicates a pre-planned move to a secure, northern base. The specific inclusion of "all the Berites" suggests that particular groups or regions actively joined his cause, indicating a targeted recruitment strategy.
* **"and they were gathered together,":** This phrase signifies the successful outcome of Sheba's recruitment efforts. The people he encountered and appealed to responded positively to his call, forming an organized assembly. This indicates that Sheba's message resonated with a significant portion of the population, leading to a substantial and unified following, thereby validating his capacity to incite widespread rebellion.
* **"and went also after him.":** This final clause emphasizes the active commitment and allegiance of those who joined Sheba. They did not merely assemble passively but actively followed him, indicating their loyalty to his cause and their willingness to participate in the rebellion against King David. This demonstrates the formation of a determined and growing insurgent force, ready to engage in conflict.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Samuel 20:14 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and impact. **Strategic Movement** is a key narrative technique, as the detailed description of Sheba's journey ("went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah") highlights his calculated and effective leadership in building a rebellion. This movement is not random but purposeful, aiming for a fortified northern city to establish a secure base. The mention of "all the Berites" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a specific group or city (Beeroth) represents a broader regional or tribal allegiance to Sheba's cause, indicating widespread disaffection. Furthermore, the successful gathering of forces in Abel-beth-maachah serves as a clear instance of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic siege of that very city, which becomes the focal point of the conflict in the subsequent verses. The concise yet descriptive language effectively portrays the escalating threat Sheba posed to David's fragile kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, detailing Sheba's successful recruitment and the consolidation of his forces, powerfully illustrates the persistent problem of disunity and the alluring nature of rebellion within Israel. The nation, despite being God's chosen people and under a divinely appointed king, frequently struggled with internal divisions rooted in tribalism, regional loyalties, and discontent with leadership. Sheba's ability to "gather together" followers underscores how quickly factionalism can escalate into open revolt when grievances are left unaddressed or when ambitious individuals exploit existing tensions. Theologically, this highlights the pervasive human propensity for rebellion against established authority, whether divine or divinely appointed, and the constant need for spiritual and political unity to maintain a healthy and flourishing society. It serves as a stark reminder that even a kingdom established by God's decree is vulnerable to the destructive forces of internal strife and the pursuit of self-interest over communal harmony and divine order.

* [Judges 9:1-6](/judges/9-1-6 "Judges 9:1-6 - Abimelech's Usurpation of Power")
* [1 Kings 12:16](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - The Division of the Kingdom of Israel")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity Among Brethren")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Sheba's rebellion and his successful gathering of forces in 2 Samuel 20:14 offers profound insights into the dynamics of division and leadership, insights that remain remarkably applicable to all communities, including the contemporary church and broader society. It serves as a potent reminder that discontent, if left unaddressed or allowed to fester, can quickly lead to destructive schisms and fragmentation. Just as Sheba exploited existing grievances and tribal loyalties, so too can internal divisions arise in our own contexts when people feel unheard, marginalized, or when selfish ambitions are allowed to take root and undermine collective well-being. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of unity, reconciliation, and mutual respect, actively working to bridge divides rather than widen them. It also challenges leaders to be acutely attentive to the needs and concerns of all members within their spheres of influence, fostering an environment where grievances can be addressed constructively and empathetically before they escalate into open rebellion or destructive conflict. Ultimately, true strength, resilience, and flourishing within any community come not from forced uniformity, but from a shared commitment to a common, righteous purpose, guided by humble, discerning, and inclusive leadership that seeks the welfare of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do tribalism, factionalism, or deep-seated resentments manifest in our communities or churches today, and what proactive steps can be taken to counter their divisive effects?**
* **What practical lessons can leaders draw from Sheba's ability to gather followers, and how can they apply these insights to foster genuine unity, loyalty, and a sense of belonging within their organizations?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals, inadvertently contribute to disunity or, conversely, to reconciliation and healing within our families, workplaces, or faith communities?**
* **How does this narrative challenge our understanding of legitimate authority and the proper, godly response to perceived injustices or leadership failures within a community?**

### FAQ

**Who was Sheba, son of Bichri, and what was his motivation for rebellion?**

Answer: Sheba, son of Bichri, was a Benjamite from the hill country of Ephraim. He emerged as a rebel leader immediately after Absalom's rebellion was quelled, capitalizing on the lingering tensions and tribal animosity between the tribes of Israel and Judah following King David's return to Jerusalem. His primary motivation was to exploit the widespread disaffection with David's rule, particularly among the northern tribes who felt neglected or unfairly treated compared to Judah. His defiant rallying cry, "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](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")), clearly articulated his goal of secession and the establishment of a separate kingdom, likely under his own leadership.

**Why was Abel-beth-maachah a strategic location for Sheba's rebellion?**

Answer: Abel-beth-maachah (referred to as "Abel, and to Bethmaachah" in this verse) was a highly strategic and heavily fortified city located in the far northern reaches of Israel, near the borders of Syria. Its importance lay in its strong defenses, which made it an ideal defensive stronghold for a rebel leader. By retreating to this city, Sheba aimed to establish a secure base far from David's immediate reach in Jerusalem. Its northern location also allowed him to draw support from tribes and regions that were historically more independent and perhaps less loyal to the Davidic dynasty. The city's strength and strategic value are further highlighted by the subsequent siege it endures, as detailed in [2 Samuel 20:15-22](/2_samuel/20-15-22 "2 Samuel 20:15-22 - The Siege of Abel-beth-maachah").

**Who were "all the Berites" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The exact identity of "all the Berites" is a subject of scholarly discussion, but the most widely accepted view is that they were the inhabitants of Beeroth, one of the Gibeonite cities mentioned in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonites Deceive Israel"). Beeroth was located in the territory of Benjamin, which was Sheba's own tribe. Their inclusion in the list of those who "gathered together, and went also after him" indicates that Sheba's support base extended beyond just the northern tribes and included people from his home region, possibly those who harbored resentment against David due to the lingering effects of the Saulide-Davidic dynastic struggle. This suggests a broader base of disaffection that Sheba successfully tapped into.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Sheba's rebellion, culminating in his successful gathering of forces in 2 Samuel 20:14, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ongoing spiritual rebellion against God's anointed King, Jesus Christ. Just as Sheba exploited existing disunity and tribal loyalties to draw people away from David's rightful reign, so too does sin and worldly ambition seek to pull humanity away from the sovereign and benevolent reign of Christ. The "tribes of Israel" who followed Sheba represent humanity's pervasive propensity to follow false leaders and embrace divisions rather than submitting to the true and eternal King. However, in Christ, we find the ultimate and perfect answer to such fragmentation and rebellion. He is the true Son of David, who does not merely suppress rebellion through force but conquers it through self-sacrificial love, offering profound reconciliation and true unity to all who believe. The Apostle Paul beautifully emphasizes that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Unlike Sheba, who gathered followers for destructive purposes, Jesus calls His followers to a kingdom of peace, righteousness, and eternal life, where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). His reign brings true and lasting unity, fulfilling the longing for a perfectly harmonious kingdom that David's earthly reign could only imperfectly reflect, ultimately establishing a new covenant where all who believe are "one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" ([Romans 12:5](/romans/12-5 "Romans 12:5 - One Body in Christ")).

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

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

1 Kings 15:20

So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

2 Chronicles 16:4

And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Joshua 18:25

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

Numbers 21:16

And from thence [they went] to Beer: that [is] the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.