What number verse is 2 Samuel 20:17 in the Bible?

2 Samuel 20:17 is the 8,572nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Samuel 20:17 sits at position 8,572.

Translation

King James Version

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, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And when he was come near ^H7126 unto her, the woman ^H802 said ^H559, Art thou Joab ^H3097? And he answered ^H559, I am he. Then she said ^H559 unto him, Hear ^H8085 the words ^H1697 of thine handmaid ^H519. And he answered ^H559, I do hear ^H8085.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He approached her, and the woman asked, "Are you Yo'av?" He answered, "I am." She said to him, "Listen to what your servant has to say." He answered, "I'm listening."

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Berean Standard Bible

When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered.

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American Standard Version

And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

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World English Bible Messianic

He came near to her; and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your handmaid.” He answered, “I do hear.”

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And when hee came neere vnto her, the woman said, Art thou Ioab? And he answered, Yea. And she said to him, Heare the wordes of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do heare.

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Young's Literal Translation

And he cometh near unto her, and the woman saith, `Art thou Joab?' and he saith, `I am .' And she saith to him, `Hear the words of thy handmaid;' and he saith, `I am hearing.'

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Samuel 20:17 captures the pivotal initial exchange between an unnamed wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah and Joab, King David's formidable military commander, during a tense siege. This courageous dialogue marks the critical turning point in a potentially devastating conflict, initiating a diplomatic negotiation that swiftly de-escalates the violence and ultimately leads to a peaceful resolution. The verse profoundly showcases the transformative power of wisdom, humility, and dialogue in averting destruction and preserving life.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed in the immediate aftermath of Absalom's failed rebellion and King David's complex return to Jerusalem, a period marked by lingering tribal disunity and political instability. The preceding narrative in 2 Samuel 20 introduces Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjaminite who capitalizes on this discontent to incite a new insurrection against David. Joab, having been reinstated as commander, relentlessly pursues Sheba, cornering him within the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. As Joab's forces begin to construct a siege ramp and batter the city wall, as implied by 2 Samuel 20:15, the city faces imminent and total destruction. It is at this critical juncture, as the siege reaches its climax, that a "wise woman" (first mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:16) takes the extraordinary initiative to approach Joab. Verse 17 thus opens the crucial dialogue that will determine the fate of the city and swiftly bring about the end of Sheba's rebellion.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is ancient Israel during the early monarchy, a tumultuous era frequently characterized by inter-tribal tensions and brutal military campaigns. Fortified cities like Abel of Beth-maachah were common defensive structures, serving as vital refuges during times of war. Sieges were notoriously brutal affairs, often culminating in the complete annihilation of the besieged city and its inhabitants if resistance persisted. The emergence of a "wise woman" who steps forward to negotiate is particularly noteworthy within this patriarchal context. While not an everyday occurrence, the Old Testament occasionally features women who play significant public roles, often through their exceptional wisdom or intercessory capabilities (e.g., the wise woman of Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14). Her ability to directly address a powerful military commander like Joab, and his surprising willingness to engage with her, speaks to a cultural recognition of wisdom's potential to transcend social hierarchies, especially in moments of extreme crisis. Her use of the term "thine handmaid" is a standard, deeply respectful, and humble form of address to a superior, strategically employed to elicit a favorable and attentive hearing.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several profound themes within the broader narrative of 2 Samuel:
- Wisdom and Diplomacy as Alternatives to Violence: The woman's immediate, direct, and courageous approach to Joab, coupled with her strategic initiation of dialogue, exemplifies profound practical wisdom. Her actions demonstrate that words, when applied judiciously and with courage, can be far more potent than weapons, effectively averting potential devastation for her city. This highlights a recurring biblical value: the pursuit of peace and resolution through thoughtful communication, often contrasted with the futility of unchecked aggression, echoing principles found in Proverbs 15:1.
- Leadership and Receptiveness: Despite his well-established reputation as a ruthless, decisive, and often unyielding military leader, Joab's concise response, "I do hear," signifies a crucial and surprising openness to dialogue. This willingness to listen, even to an unexpected voice from a besieged city, is portrayed as an essential quality for effective leadership, particularly in times of conflict. It stands in stark contrast to some of his more aggressive and less consultative tendencies seen elsewhere in David's reign, revealing a pragmatic flexibility.
- Intercession and the Preservation of Life: The unnamed woman acts as a powerful intercessor for her entire city, bravely placing herself as a mediator between Joab's destructive army and the innocent inhabitants. She speaks on behalf of her community, urgently seeking a peaceful resolution that benefits all. This vital role of intercession, where individuals courageously plead for others, is a recurring and significant motif throughout Scripture, consistently underscoring the immense value of human life and the divine preference for peace and reconciliation over widespread destruction.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Joab (Hebrew, Yôwʼâb', H3097): From the Hebrew YHVH (Jehovah) and ab (father), meaning "Jehovah-fathered," Joab (H3097) was King David's long-serving and formidable commander of the army. He was renowned for his military prowess, unwavering loyalty to David, and often ruthless pragmatism, sometimes operating beyond or even against David's direct orders (e.g., the killing of Abner in 2 Samuel 3:27 or Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:14-15). His presence at the city wall signified imminent and overwhelming destruction. The woman's direct address, "Art thou Joab?", indicates her precise identification of him as the ultimate authority figure she needed to engage, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the power he wielded.
Words (Hebrew, dâbâr', H1697): The Hebrew term dâbâr (H1697) is a rich word, encompassing not only "word" but also "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "report," and "purpose." It signifies a communication that carries weight, substance, and often consequence. In the woman's plea, "Hear the words of thine handmaid," it emphasizes that her communication is not idle chatter but a matter of grave importance, a substantive proposal that demands serious consideration. The multifaceted nature of dâbâr here highlights the critical nature of the information and proposal she is about to deliver, which will determine the city's fate.
Handmaid (Hebrew, ʼâmâh', H519): The term "thine handmaid" (H519, ʼâmâh), meaning "maidservant or female slave," is a common expression of humility and submission used by an inferior when addressing a superior in ancient Near Eastern culture. It does not necessarily imply literal servitude in this context but rather a respectful and deferential posture strategically adopted to gain a favorable hearing. By presenting herself as Joab's "handmaid," the wise woman subtly appeals to his sense of honor, authority, and perhaps even mercy, framing her request as a humble petition rather than a demand. This strategic act of humility fosters an environment conducive to dialogue and disarms potential hostility.
Hear (Hebrew, shâmaʻ', H8085): Joab's crucial response, "I do hear" (H8085, shâmaʻ), uses a Hebrew verb that means far more than merely perceiving sound. Shâmaʻ implies listening attentively, understanding, paying heed, and often, by extension, obeying or responding positively. In this context, it signifies Joab's willingness to grant the woman a full audience and seriously consider her words, marking a vital turning point that shifts the encounter from military confrontation to potential diplomatic negotiation. His affirmative shâmaʻ demonstrates a surprising receptiveness from a commander known for decisive and often unyielding action, opening the door for a peaceful resolution.

Verse Breakdown

"And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, [Art] thou Joab?": This opening clause vividly sets the scene, capturing the tense proximity between the powerful general and the courageous, unnamed woman. Her immediate, direct question, "Art thou Joab?", is not simply for identification. It is a strategic move to confirm she is addressing the ultimate authority figure capable of making decisions regarding the siege, bypassing any intermediaries and signaling her intent to engage directly with the person holding life-and-death power over her city. It underscores her remarkable boldness in a perilous situation.
"And he answered, I [am he].": Joab's concise and direct confirmation validates the woman's approach and acknowledges his identity. His simple "I am he" implicitly grants her the right to speak, signaling his willingness to engage directly with her. This immediate and unambiguous affirmation is crucial, as it swiftly moves the encounter past initial identification and sets the stage for the substantive dialogue that follows, indicating a surprising openness from the commander.
"Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid.": With Joab's identity confirmed, the woman immediately transitions to her urgent plea. Her request, "Hear the words of thine handmaid," is a polite yet firm appeal for a full and attentive audience. The strategic use of "thine handmaid" is a profound act of humility and deference, designed to disarm Joab and secure his undivided attention, presenting herself as a humble petitioner with a vital message rather than a defiant enemy. This rhetorical move is key to opening the path for negotiation.
"And he answered, I do hear.": This final phrase in the verse is the linchpin of the entire encounter. Joab's affirmative "I do hear" (or "I am listening") is far more than a mere acknowledgment; it is a profound commitment to give her words full and serious consideration. This response is absolutely critical, as it transforms a military standoff into a diplomatic opportunity. It reveals a surprising, yet essential, facet of Joab's leadership—a capacity for strategic listening and a willingness to explore alternatives to brute force, ultimately paving the way for the city's deliverance.

Literary Devices

The encounter depicted in 2 Samuel 20:17 is rich with compelling literary devices that amplify its significance. The most prominent device is Dialogue, which serves as the primary engine for advancing the narrative and revealing character. The direct, concise exchange between the wise woman and Joab immediately establishes the high stakes and highlights the woman's extraordinary proactive courage, contrasting sharply with the implied fear and passivity of the city's inhabitants. There is a strong element of Foreshadowing in Joab's "I do hear," as his willingness to listen hints at the peaceful and successful resolution that will follow, suggesting that this conversation will indeed bear fruit. The scene also employs powerful Contrast, particularly between Joab's well-known ruthless military persona and his surprising, uncharacteristic willingness to listen to an anonymous woman from a besieged city. This moment of receptiveness stands in stark opposition to his earlier, more violent and decisive actions. Furthermore, the woman's strategic use of "thine handmaid" is a masterful application of Strategic Deference and Humility, a rhetorical tactic designed to disarm, gain favor, and persuade. Her very presence and bold initiative also embody the theme of Intercession, as she bravely positions herself as a mediator for her city, demonstrating the profound power of a single individual to avert widespread destruction through wisdom and words.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The profound dialogue in 2 Samuel 20:17 illuminates deep theological truths concerning the nature of divine providence, the power of wisdom, and the essence of effective leadership. It powerfully illustrates that God can sovereignly use unexpected agents—even an unnamed woman from a besieged city—to bring about His purposes of preserving life, de-escalating conflict, and demonstrating His preference for reconciliation over destruction. The woman's wisdom is not merely intellectual acumen but a practical, redemptive, and courageous application of discernment, demonstrating that true wisdom is often found in the courage to speak truth and actively pursue peace. Joab's willingness to listen, despite his formidable position and the urgency of the siege, underscores the importance of open leadership and the remarkable capacity for even hardened individuals to be swayed by reasoned appeal and a compelling argument. This interaction serves as a powerful testament to the inherent value of human life and the potential for peaceful resolution, even in the direst circumstances, reflecting God's overarching desire for shalom and the restoration of order.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The brief yet profoundly impactful exchange in 2 Samuel 20:17 offers timeless and vital lessons for navigating conflict, fostering reconciliation, and exercising wise leadership in our contemporary lives and communities. It powerfully demonstrates the transformative potential of courageous and humble dialogue. In a world often quick to resort to aggression, dismiss opposing voices, or retreat into silence, this narrative reminds us of the profound and often overlooked impact of simply being willing to engage and truly listen. The "wise woman" embodies the extraordinary courage required to step into a dangerous situation, not armed with a weapon, but with discerning words, seeking common ground and a peaceful path where none seemed to exist. Her humility in addressing Joab, coupled with her clear and urgent purpose, created an opening for negotiation that saved countless lives. Similarly, Joab's unexpected receptiveness, his decisive "I do hear," teaches us that true strength in leadership often lies not in unyielding force or rigid adherence to a plan, but in the capacity to pause, listen attentively, and genuinely consider alternative perspectives, even from those we might perceive as adversaries or subordinates. This encounter challenges each of us to cultivate a wisdom that actively seeks peace, a courage that initiates difficult but necessary dialogue, and a humility that opens ears and hearts, thereby transforming potential destruction into redemptive resolution.

Questions for Reflection

In what specific situations in your life are you tempted to use force, avoidance, or silence rather than initiating a difficult but necessary dialogue?
How can you cultivate the kind of practical wisdom that allows you to discern a path to peace and reconciliation where others only perceive conflict or impasse?
When have you personally experienced the profound power of someone truly listening to you, and how did that attentive hearing impact the outcome of the situation?
What does it mean to courageously act as an "intercessor" for peace in your family, workplace, church, or broader community, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable?

FAQ

Who was the "wise woman" of Abel, and why was she able to speak to Joab?

Answer: The Bible, in its characteristic brevity, does not name the "wise woman" of Abel of Beth-maachah. Her anonymity, however, serves to highlight a significant theological point: that profound wisdom and courageous leadership can emerge from unexpected places and individuals, regardless of their social standing or renown. She was able to speak to Joab likely due to a confluence of factors: her established reputation for wisdom within the city (as explicitly noted in 2 Samuel 20:16), the dire and desperate circumstances of the siege which necessitated extraordinary measures, and her own remarkable initiative and courage. In ancient Near Eastern culture, while women generally occupied different societal roles than men, there were notable instances where women of exceptional wisdom, spiritual insight, or courage were recognized, consulted, and played pivotal roles, particularly in times of crisis (e.g., Deborah in Judges 4). Her respectful and humble address ("thine handmaid") also likely contributed significantly to Joab's willingness to hear her out, signaling her non-threatening intent.

Why did Joab, a ruthless military commander, agree to listen to an unnamed woman?

Answer: Joab's decision to listen to the wise woman, despite his well-documented reputation for ruthlessness and the immediate urgency of the siege, reveals a pragmatic, strategic, and ultimately efficient side to his character. Joab was fiercely loyal to King David and singularly focused on achieving his military objectives with minimal unnecessary cost or delay. Destroying an entire city was a significant and costly undertaking, both in terms of resources and potential casualties for his own army. If there was a viable way to apprehend Sheba, the target of the rebellion, without such widespread devastation, it was strategically advantageous and efficient. The woman's immediate and direct approach, combined with her respectful demeanor and the implied promise of a solution, signaled that she had a proposition of substance. Joab, as a seasoned and calculating commander, would have recognized the potential for a quicker, less destructive, and more efficient resolution than a full-scale assault, making her offer of dialogue a viable and intelligent path to achieving his mission.

What was Sheba's rebellion about, and how does this verse relate to its end?

Answer: Sheba's rebellion, detailed in 2 Samuel 20, was a post-Absalom revolt that expertly capitalized on the lingering discontent and tribal divisions among the people of Israel, particularly concerning David's perceived favoritism towards the tribe of Judah. Sheba, a Benjaminite, rallied the northern tribes with a defiant cry, "We have no portion in David, nor any inheritance in the son of Jesse! To your tents, O Israel!" (2 Samuel 20:1). Joab, tasked with quelling this new uprising, relentlessly pursued Sheba until he took refuge within the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. 2 Samuel 20:17 marks the pivotal moment where the wise woman, acting as a courageous intercessor for her city, initiates dialogue with Joab. Her subsequent proposal, detailed in the verses that follow, offers a clear and decisive path to ending both the siege and the rebellion without further bloodshed for the city's innocent inhabitants. This leads directly to the city's inhabitants delivering Sheba's severed head to Joab, thus swiftly and decisively ending the rebellion and saving their city from total destruction.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The encounter in 2 Samuel 20:17, where an unnamed wise woman's courageous words avert widespread destruction, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession, profound wisdom, and reconciling work embodied in Jesus Christ. Just as the woman bravely stood as a mediator between Joab's wrath and her city's inhabitants, Christ stands as the supreme and perfect mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity, continually interceding on our behalf, as beautifully articulated in Hebrews 7:25. The practical, peace-making wisdom she displayed, turning imminent conflict into a path of resolution, finds its perfect and divine fulfillment in Christ, who is not merely wise but is the very wisdom of God personified (1 Corinthians 1:30) and our ultimate peacemaker, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:14). Furthermore, the woman's humble address as "thine handmaid" resonates deeply with Christ's own profound, self-emptying humility, who, though eternally God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7), demonstrating that true power, divine authority, and redemptive leadership are found not in domination, but in self-giving service, a willingness to listen, and a compassionate engagement with all, even the marginalized, for the sake of ultimate reconciliation and eternal salvation.

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Commentary on 2 Samuel 20 verses 14–22

14 ¶ 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.

15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

16 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.

17 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, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

18 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.

19 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?

20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

21 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.

22 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.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

We have here the conclusion of Sheba's attempt.

I. The rebel, when he had rambled over all the tribes of Israel, and found them not so willing, upon second thoughts, to follow him, as they had been upon a sudden provocation to desert David (having only picked up a few like himself, that sided with him), at length entered Abel-Beth-maacah, a strong city in the north, in the lot of Naphtali, where we find it placed, Kg2 15:29. Here he took shelter, whether by force or with consent does not appear; but his adherents were most Berites, of Beeroth in Benjamin, Sa2 20:14. One bad man will find or make more.

II. Joab drew up all his force against the city, besieged it, battered the wall, and made it almost ready for a general storm, Sa2 20:15. Justly is that place attacked with all this fury which dares harbour a traitor; nor will that heart fare better which indulges those rebellious lusts that will not have Christ to reign over them.

III. A discreet good woman of the city of Abel brings this matter, by her prudent management, to a good issue, so as to satisfy Joab and yet save the city. Here is,

1.Her treaty with Joab, and her capitulation with him, by which he is engaged to raise the siege, upon condition that Sheba be delivered up. It seems, none of all the men of Abel, none of the elders or magistrates, offered to treat with Joab, no, not when they were reduced to the last extremity. They were stupid and unconcerned for the public safety, or they stood in awe of Sheba, or they despaired of gaining any good terms with Joab, or they had not sense enough to manage the treaty. But this one woman and her wisdom saved the city. Souls know no difference of sexes. Though the man be the head, it does not therefore follow that he has the monopoly of the brains, and therefore he ought not, by any salique law, to have the monopoly of the crown. Many a masculine heart, and more than masculine, has been found in a female breast; nor is the treasure of wisdom the less valuable for being lodged in the weaker vessel. In the treaty between this nameless heroine and Joab,

(1.)She gains his audience and attention, Sa2 20:16, Sa2 20:17. We may suppose it was the first time he had ever treated with a woman in martial affairs.

(2.)She reasons with him on behalf of her city, and very ingeniously. [1.] That it was a city famous for wisdom (Sa2 20:18), as we translate it. She pleads that this city had been long in such reputation for prudent knowing men that it was the common referee of the country, and all agreed to abide by the award of its elders. Their sentence was an oracle; let them be consulted and the matter is ended, all sides will acquiesce. Now shall such a city as this be laid in ashes and never treated with? [2.] That the inhabitants were generally peaceable and faithful in Israel, Sa2 20:19. She could speak, not for herself only, but for all those whose cause she pleaded, that they were not of turbulent and seditious spirits, but of known fidelity to their prince and peaceableness with their fellow-subjects; they were neither seditious nor litigious. [3.] That it was a mother in Israel, a guide and nurse to the towns and country about; and that it was a part of the inheritance of the Lord, a city of Israelites, not of heathen; and the destruction of it would lessen and weaken that nation which God had chosen for his heritage. [4.] That they expected him to offer them peace before he made an attack upon the, according to that known law of war, Deu 20:10. So the margin reads (Sa2 20:18): They plainly spoke in the beginning (of the siege), saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, that is, "The besiegers will demand the traitor, and will ask us to surrender him; and if they do, we will soon come to an agreement, and so end the matter." Thus she tacitly upbraids Joab for not offering them peace, but hopes it is not too late to beg it.

(3.)Joab and Abel's advocate soon agree that Sheba's head shall be the ransom of the city. Joab, though in a personal quarrel he had lately swallowed up and destroyed Amasa, yet, when he acts as a general, will by no means bear the imputation of delighting in bloodshed: "Far be it from me that I should delight to swallow up or destroy, or design it but when it is necessary for the public safety, Sa2 20:20. The matter is not so. Our quarrel is not with your city; we would hazard our lives for its protection. Our quarrel is only with the traitor that is harboured among you; deliver him up, and we have done." A great deal of mischief would be prevented if contending parties would but understand one another. The city obstinately holds out, believing Joab aims at its ruin. Joab furiously attacks it, believing the citizens all confederates with Sheba. Whereas both were mistaken; let both sides be undeceived, and the matter is soon accommodated. The single condition of peace is the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when it is besieged by conviction and distress: sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel; part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. No peace on any other terms. Our wise woman immediately agrees to the proposal: Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee presently.

2.Her treaty with the citizens. She went to them in her wisdom (and perhaps she had as much need of it in dealing with them as in dealing with Joab) and persuaded them to cut off Sheba's head, probably by some public order of their government, and it was thrown over the wall to Joab. He knew the traitor's face, and therefore looked no further, intending not that any of his adherents should suffer. The public safety was secured, and he felt no wish to gratify the public revenge. Joab hereupon raised the siege, and marched back to Jerusalem, with the trophies rather of peace than victory.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–22. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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