2 Samuel 20:16

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then cried {H7121} a wise {H2450} woman {H802} out of the city {H5892}, Hear {H8085}, hear {H8085}; say {H559}, I pray you, unto Joab {H3097}, Come near {H7126} hither, that I may speak {H1696} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then a wise woman in the city shouted, "Listen! Listen! Please tell Yo'av, 'Come over here, so that I can speak with you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 20:16, a critical juncture in Sheba's rebellion against King David, a "wise woman" from the besieged city of Abel of Beth-Maachah emerges as an unexpected protagonist. With Joab's forces on the verge of destroying the city to capture a single rebel, this unnamed woman courageously and strategically cries out, demanding an audience with Joab. Her immediate and decisive action initiates a dialogue that ultimately averts widespread destruction and demonstrates the profound impact of wisdom, diplomacy, and courageous intervention in a moment of extreme crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King David's reign, specifically following the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion and David's subsequent restoration to the throne. Immediately preceding this chapter, David has returned to Jerusalem, and tensions remain high, leading to the opportunistic uprising of Sheba, a Benjaminite who declares independence from David's rule (2 Samuel 20:1-2). Joab, David's ruthless but effective general, is dispatched to quell this new rebellion. The pursuit of Sheba leads Joab to Abel of Beth-Maachah, a fortified city where Sheba has taken refuge (2 Samuel 20:14-15). Joab's siege tactics are brutal and efficient, with his forces building a ramp and beginning to undermine the city walls, signifying imminent destruction. It is at this precise moment of impending doom for the innocent inhabitants that the wise woman intervenes, acting as a voice of reason and a last resort for her community. Her action dramatically shifts the narrative from military confrontation to diplomatic negotiation, highlighting the power of wisdom in averting catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abel of Beth-Maachah was a strategically important city in northern Israel, likely located near the border with Aram, making its capture or destruction a significant event. Fortified cities in ancient Israel were designed to withstand sieges, but prolonged assaults often led to their capitulation or utter destruction, with severe consequences for the inhabitants. The practice of "utter destruction" (herem) was sometimes employed in warfare, though often reserved for specific divine commands (e.g., in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws for Warfare")). Joab's intent to destroy the entire city to capture one man, Sheba, reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the lengths to which commanders would go to eliminate threats to the king. In this patriarchal society, the emergence of an unnamed woman as a key negotiator is particularly striking. While women generally held subordinate roles, the Old Testament occasionally presents "wise women" (like the [wise woman of Tekoa](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - The Wise Woman of Tekoa")) who, through their discernment and rhetorical skill, could influence powerful men and resolve complex situations. This highlights a cultural recognition of practical wisdom, regardless of gender, as a valuable asset in times of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It underscores the theme of **wisdom in leadership and crisis**, demonstrating how practical discernment can prevent unnecessary bloodshed and achieve peaceful resolutions where brute force might fail. The "wise woman" embodies this theme, acting as a foil to Joab's destructive impulse and Sheba's rebellious folly. It also highlights the **value of human life** and the moral imperative to seek alternatives to widespread destruction, even in wartime. The narrative implicitly critiques the indiscriminate nature of war when a single life (Sheba's) is deemed worth the destruction of an entire city. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **power of an individual voice**, particularly one from an unexpected source, to change the course of events. This resonates with the biblical emphasis on God often working through the marginalized or overlooked. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **divine providence**, suggesting that even in moments of human conflict, God can raise up individuals to guide events toward a more just or merciful outcome, aligning with the broader narrative of God's continued work in the life of David and his kingdom, despite its many flaws and conflicts, as seen in passages like [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (חֲכָמָה, _chakamah'_):** This adjective, derived from the Hebrew root חָכָם (_chakham_), denotes practical skill, shrewdness, discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively to real-life situations. It is not merely intellectual brilliance but a wisdom that leads to prudent action and sound judgment, often in a judicial or mediatory capacity. In this context, it signifies the woman's ability to assess the dire situation, understand Joab's motivations, and devise a strategy to save her city, demonstrating a wisdom that is both perceptive and proactive.
* **Cried (קָרָא, _qara'_):** The verb "cried" indicates a public, urgent, and distinct vocalization. It suggests that her voice was not a whisper but a deliberate, authoritative call, intended to be heard above the din of the siege. This action implies a boldness and a sense of urgency, as she interrupts a military operation to demand attention, highlighting her courage and conviction in the face of imminent danger.
* **Hear, hear (שִׁמְעוּ שִׁמְעוּ, _shim'u shim'u_):** The repetition of the imperative "hear" (from שָׁמַע, _shama'_) serves as an emphatic plea for attention. It is a rhetorical device designed to cut through the noise and demand a cessation of action, compelling Joab and his men to pause and listen. This double imperative underscores the gravity of the situation and the woman's desperate yet determined attempt to engage in dialogue before it is too late.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then cried a wise woman out of the city":** This clause introduces the central figure of the immediate narrative—an unnamed woman whose defining characteristic is her wisdom. Her action of "crying out" signifies an immediate, public, and courageous intervention from within the besieged city walls, demonstrating her initiative and leadership in a dire situation.
* **"Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab":** This is the substance of her urgent plea. The repeated "Hear, hear" is an emphatic call for attention, a desperate yet authoritative demand for the besieging army to halt their destructive work and listen. Her instruction to "say, I pray you, unto Joab" indicates her understanding of military protocol, knowing that she, as a woman from a besieged city, might not be able to directly address the commander without an intermediary. This reveals her strategic thinking and respect for hierarchy, even in an emergency.
* **"Come near hither, that I may speak with thee":** This final phrase is a direct, albeit indirect, invitation to Joab. It clearly states her purpose: to engage in a personal dialogue with the commander. This invitation suggests her confidence in her ability to negotiate and her belief that a peaceful resolution is possible through direct communication, contrasting sharply with the ongoing military assault.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Character Introduction** is paramount, as the "wise woman" is immediately presented as the pivotal figure, her wisdom being her defining trait rather than her name or lineage, emphasizing the universal nature of her insight. The use of **Repetition** ("Hear, hear") serves as an emphatic plea, highlighting the urgency and desperation of her call while simultaneously demanding immediate attention. There is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the city is innocent of Sheba's rebellion, and its destruction would be unjust, making the woman's intervention the sole hope for averting a tragedy that Joab is unwittingly about to inflict. Furthermore, the scene is set with palpable **Suspense**, as the city's fate hangs precariously in the balance, creating tension that is momentarily relieved by her courageous voice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This singular act of a wise woman crying out from a besieged city resonates deeply with biblical themes of divine wisdom, the value of human life, and the power of intercession. It illustrates that God's wisdom is not confined to the powerful or the prominent but can emerge from unexpected sources, even an unnamed woman in a patriarchal society, to bring about deliverance. Her intervention highlights a theological principle that often, the path to peace and preservation lies not in overwhelming force but in discerning dialogue and courageous advocacy for life, echoing the divine preference for mercy over judgment. The narrative implicitly praises the act of seeking peace and averting unnecessary bloodshed, reflecting a divine concern for justice and the well-being of all people, even those caught in the crossfire of human conflict.

* [Proverbs 8:1-11](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-11 - Lady Wisdom's Call")
* [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17 "James 3:17-18 - The Wisdom from Above")
* [Genesis 18:22-33](/genesis/18-22 "Genesis 18:22-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intervention of the wise woman in 2 Samuel 20:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It challenges us to recognize that wisdom and solutions can emerge from the most unexpected places and people, often those we might overlook or dismiss based on their social standing, gender, or lack of official authority. Her courage to speak truth to power, to interrupt a destructive course of action, and to advocate for her community's survival serves as a timeless model. In our own lives, whether in personal conflicts, community disputes, or broader societal challenges, we are called to cultivate a similar spirit of discernment and courageous advocacy. This means not only being willing to speak up when injustice or destruction looms but also fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued, and where dialogue and negotiation are prioritized over unthinking aggression. Her story reminds us that true leadership often involves a willingness to listen to unexpected counsel and to choose the path of diplomacy and preservation, even when the default seems to be confrontation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might you be called to speak up, even when it feels daunting or goes against the prevailing tide?**
* **How can we cultivate wisdom that is practical and proactive, enabling us to discern peaceful solutions in moments of crisis?**
* **Who are the "wise women" (or men) in your community whose voices might be overlooked, and how can you ensure they are heard?**
* **When faced with conflict, what steps can you take to prioritize dialogue and understanding over immediate confrontation or destruction?**

### FAQ
**Who was this "wise woman," and why is she unnamed?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide the name of this "wise woman" from Abel of Beth-Maachah. Her anonymity is common for many minor but significant characters in biblical narratives, often serving to highlight their role or the message they convey rather than their personal identity. In this case, her being unnamed emphasizes that wisdom and courage can emerge from anyone, regardless of their social standing or renown. Her wisdom is the focus, not her individual person. She functions as an archetype of practical sagacity and courageous intercession, similar to the [wise woman of Tekoa](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - The Wise Woman of Tekoa") who also advised King David.

**What was Joab's motivation for destroying the entire city to capture one man?**

Answer: Joab's primary motivation was to swiftly and decisively end Sheba's rebellion, which posed a direct threat to King David's newly reunited kingdom. In ancient warfare, it was common practice to destroy cities that harbored rebels or resisted royal authority as a deterrent to future uprisings. Joab, known for his ruthless efficiency (as seen in his killing of Absalom in [2 Samuel 18:14](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab Kills Absalom")), likely viewed the city as complicit in Sheba's rebellion by offering him refuge. His intent was to eliminate the threat completely, even if it meant sacrificing innocent lives to achieve his military objective and send a clear message about the consequences of defying David's rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intervention of the wise woman in 2 Samuel 20:16, who intercedes to save her city from destruction, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate role as the divine Intercessor and Peacemaker. Just as she steps into a scene of impending judgment and offers a path to peace through dialogue and the surrender of the one causing conflict, so too does Jesus Christ stand between a humanity deserving of judgment and a holy God. He is the embodiment of God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30), who, through His sacrificial death, became the ultimate "wise one" who averts divine wrath from those who believe. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the "one" whose surrender (His death on the cross) brings peace and salvation to "many" (Mark 10:45). His cry from the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), echoes the wise woman's urgent plea, bringing an end to the siege of sin and death and opening the way for reconciliation with God. Through Him, the ultimate wisdom of God is revealed, not in destruction, but in the self-giving love that saves a multitude from perishing, ushering in an eternal peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

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 Samuel 14:2

And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

Ecclesiastes 9:14

[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

Ecclesiastes 9:18

Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

1 Samuel 25:32

¶ And David said to Abigail, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

1 Samuel 25:33

And blessed [be] thy advice, and blessed [be] thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

1 Samuel 25:3

Now the name of the man [was] Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and [she was] a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man [was] churlish and evil in his doings; and he [was] of the house of Caleb.