2 Samuel 20:19

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

I am one of them that are peaceable {H7999} and faithful {H539} in Israel {H3478}: thou seekest {H1245} to destroy {H4191} a city {H5892} and a mother {H517} in Israel {H3478}: why wilt thou swallow up {H1104} the inheritance {H5159} of the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

We are among those in Isra'el who are peaceful and faithful. Why are you destroying a city and a mother in Isra'el? Why swallow up the inheritance of ADONAI?"

Berean Standard Bible

I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”

American Standard Version

I am 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 Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 20:19, a sagacious woman from Abel-beth-maachah directly challenges Joab, King David’s military commander, who is poised to annihilate her city in pursuit of the rebel Sheba. Her impassioned address serves as a courageous appeal for peace and justice, asserting the city’s loyalty and distinguishing its innocent inhabitants from the fugitive, thereby confronting Joab with the moral implications of destroying a vital "mother city" and, by extension, a cherished part of the Lord's own inheritance in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Sheba son of Bichri's rebellion against King David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion"). Following Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, a new uprising led by Sheba, a Benjaminite, quickly gains momentum, threatening the fragile unity of Israel. Joab, David's ruthless but effective general, pursues Sheba to the fortified city of Abel-beth-maachah. Joab's forces begin to build a siege ramp against the city wall, intending to breach and destroy it to capture Sheba. The wise woman's intervention, initiated by her call from the wall in [2 Samuel 20:16](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16 - The Wise Woman Calls Out"), interrupts this destructive trajectory, offering a diplomatic alternative to what would otherwise be a catastrophic assault on an Israelite city. Her words in this verse represent a pivotal moment, shifting the narrative from impending military devastation to a potential resolution through negotiation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was marked by both consolidation and internal strife, with rebellions like Sheba's posing significant threats to national stability. Abel-beth-maachah, located in the northern territory of Naphtali, was strategically important, likely serving as a regional administrative or economic center. The term "mother in Israel" (Hebrew: *'em b'Yisra'el*) was a significant cultural descriptor for a prominent, ancient, or capital city that nurtured and provided for surrounding towns and villages, much like a mother cares for her children. To destroy such a city was not merely an act of war but a profound desecration, akin to tearing apart the very fabric of the nation. Joab, as David's commander, operated within a military culture that often employed harsh tactics to suppress rebellion, but even within this context, the indiscriminate destruction of an Israelite city, especially one claiming peace and loyalty, would have been viewed with moral gravity. The woman's appeal leverages this cultural understanding of a city's sacred identity and its relationship to the broader "inheritance of the LORD."
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **peace versus indiscriminate violence**. The woman's assertion that her city is "peaceable and faithful" directly contrasts with Joab's destructive intent, highlighting the moral imperative to seek peaceful resolutions where possible, especially among kin. Secondly, the theme of **Israel as God's inheritance** is central. Her rhetorical question, "why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?", elevates the conflict beyond a mere military campaign, framing the potential destruction of an Israelite city as an affront to God's own chosen people and land, a concept deeply rooted in covenant theology (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - Israel as God's Inheritance") and [Psalm 79:1](/psalm/79-1 "Psalm 79:1 - God's Inheritance Desecrated")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **wisdom in crisis**. The woman's ability to articulate a persuasive argument, appealing to shared national identity, divine heritage, and moral responsibility, demonstrates profound wisdom and courage, showcasing how discernment can avert catastrophe. Lastly, it touches on the theme of **innocent suffering**, implicitly arguing against collective punishment when a specific offender can be isolated, a principle of justice found elsewhere in the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Fathers Not Punished for Children's Sins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peaceable and Faithful (Hebrew, _shalom_ and _'emunah'_):** The woman's declaration, "I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel," uses terms that denote both a state of tranquility and a deep-seated loyalty. *Shalom* encompasses wholeness, well-being, and harmony, indicating that the city desires to live in peace, free from conflict. *'Emunah* signifies trustworthiness, steadfastness, and fidelity, asserting the city's allegiance to King David and the nation of Israel, thereby distinguishing its inhabitants from the rebel Sheba. This dual assertion aims to disarm Joab's presumption that the entire city is complicit in the rebellion.
* **Mother in Israel (Hebrew, _'em b'Yisra'el'_):** This highly significant phrase is a metaphorical designation for a leading, foundational, or capital city that serves as a nurturing center for surrounding towns and villages, much like a mother provides for her children. It implies a city of ancient lineage, prominence, and vital importance to its region. The destruction of such a city would be an immense loss, not just of a physical location, but of a cultural, economic, and administrative hub that contributes to the identity and well-being of the broader Israelite community. The woman uses this term to underscore the profound gravity and tragic consequences of Joab's intended action.
* **Inheritance of the LORD (Hebrew, _nachalat YHWH_):** This phrase refers to the land and people of Israel as God's special possession, given to them through the covenant. The land was not merely territory but a sacred trust, and the people were His chosen heritage. To "swallow up" (Hebrew, _bala'_, meaning to consume, destroy, or engulf) a city that is part of this inheritance is presented as an act of sacrilege, implying a direct affront to God Himself. The woman appeals to Joab's understanding of Israel's unique relationship with God, suggesting that destroying an Israelite city is an attack on God's own property and His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel:"** The wise woman begins by establishing the identity and character of her city and its inhabitants. She speaks on behalf of the collective, asserting their desire for peace and their unwavering loyalty to the nation of Israel and its king, David. This statement directly refutes any assumption that the entire city is rebellious or deserves destruction, drawing a clear distinction between the city's populace and the fugitive Sheba.
* **"thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel:"** This clause is a direct and powerful accusation against Joab. The woman highlights the profound nature of his intended action, not merely as the destruction of any city, but specifically of a "mother in Israel"—a term that elevates the city's status to one of vital importance, a foundational and nurturing center for the region. This phrase evokes a sense of deep loss and sacrilege, appealing to Joab's conscience and his understanding of national identity.
* **"why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?"** This is a potent rhetorical question that serves as the climax of her appeal. By framing the city's destruction as the "swallowing up" of God's inheritance, the woman elevates the immediate military conflict to a theological plane. She challenges Joab to consider the divine implications of his actions, implying that to destroy a part of Israel is to attack God's own chosen people and land, thereby questioning the moral and spiritual legitimacy of his pursuit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Rhetorical Question**, as the woman's final query, "why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?", is not seeking information but rather aiming to provoke introspection and moral reconsideration in Joab. The phrase "a mother in Israel" employs **Metaphor** and **Personification**, likening the city to a nurturing matriarch, thereby imbuing it with a sense of life, value, and vulnerability that makes its destruction all the more tragic and morally reprehensible. There is also a strong sense of **Pathos**, as the woman's plea is designed to evoke pity and compassion from Joab, contrasting the city's declared peace and faithfulness with his violent intent. The **Juxtaposition** of the city's "peaceable and faithful" nature against Joab's "destroy" and "swallow up" actions highlights the moral dilemma. Furthermore, the woman acts as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (the wise woman) represents the whole (the city of Abel-beth-maachah), embodying its collective wisdom and desire for survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound plea of the wise woman in 2 Samuel 20:19 resonates with enduring theological principles concerning the sacredness of human life, the value of God's people, and the pursuit of justice. Her appeal to the city as "peaceable and faithful" and "a mother in Israel" underscores the biblical emphasis on community, loyalty, and the intrinsic worth of a people whom God has chosen as His own "inheritance." The question "why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?" elevates the conflict from a mere military engagement to a spiritual affront, reminding us that actions against God's people or His created order have divine implications. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the impact of wise counsel and the importance of discerning between the guilty and the innocent, advocating for the preservation of life and the avoidance of indiscriminate destruction, especially when a more just resolution is possible.

* [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel as God's Portion")
* [Psalm 122:6-9](/psalm/122-6 "Psalm 122:6-9 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem")
* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Deliver Those Being Led Away to Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The courageous intervention of the wise woman of Abel-beth-maachah offers a profound lesson in moral courage, diplomatic wisdom, and the redemptive power of a single voice in the face of overwhelming force. Her ability to articulate the value of her community, appeal to shared identity, and invoke divine accountability serves as a timeless model for those who would stand for justice and peace. In our own lives, we are often confronted with situations where indiscriminate judgment or collective punishment threatens to harm the innocent. This passage challenges us to cultivate discernment, to speak up for the vulnerable, and to seek peaceful, just resolutions rather than resorting to destructive force. It reminds us that true strength lies not in the capacity to destroy, but in the wisdom to preserve, to protect God's inheritance—whether that be human lives, communities, or the broader creation—and to uphold principles of righteousness even in the midst of conflict. We are called to be agents of peace and faithfulness, distinguishing ourselves from those who sow discord and destruction, and to value every part of God's handiwork.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like the wise woman, courageously speak truth to power or challenge destructive impulses in our own contexts?**
* **What "inheritance of the LORD" (e.g., people, communities, creation) might we be unknowingly or knowingly "swallowing up" through our actions or inactions?**
* **How does this narrative inform our understanding of justice, particularly the distinction between the guilty and the innocent in situations of conflict?**

### FAQ
**What does "a mother in Israel" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "a mother in Israel" (Hebrew: *'em b'Yisra'el*) is a metaphorical and honorific title for a prominent, ancient, or capital city that serves as a nurturing and foundational center for surrounding towns and villages. It signifies a city that provides support, identity, and resources, much like a mother cares for her children. By using this term, the wise woman emphasizes the profound historical, cultural, and social importance of Abel-beth-maachah, underscoring that its destruction would be an irreparable loss, not just of a physical place, but of a vital hub for the entire region and, by extension, for the nation of Israel itself. It elevates the city's status beyond a mere collection of buildings to a living, nurturing entity. This concept is also seen in [Judges 5:7](/judges/5-7 "Judges 5:7 - Deborah as a Mother in Israel").

**Why was Joab willing to destroy an entire Israelite city for one man?**

Answer: Joab, as King David's military commander, was fiercely loyal and ruthless in suppressing threats to David's throne. Sheba's rebellion was a serious challenge to David's authority, and Sheba had taken refuge in Abel-beth-maachah, indicating the city's potential complicity or at least its unwillingness to surrender the rebel. From a military perspective, Joab's strategy was to eliminate the threat by any means necessary, even if it meant destroying the city that harbored the rebel. This approach, while effective in quelling rebellions, often prioritized military expediency over moral considerations or the lives of innocent civilians. The wise woman's intervention in [2 Samuel 20:19](/2_samuel/20-19 "2 Samuel 20:19 - The Wise Woman's Plea") directly challenges this ruthless logic, appealing to a higher moral and theological standard.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the wise woman of Abel-beth-maachah, who offers a life for a life to save her city, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of substitutionary atonement found in Jesus Christ. Just as the city, though largely innocent, faced destruction because of the presence of one rebel, humanity, though created in God's image, was condemned by the pervasive sin of one man, Adam (cf. [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man")). The wise woman's plea for a single life (Sheba's) to be given up to save the many resonates deeply with the Gospel message, where the innocent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, willingly offered His perfect life as a ransom for many (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life")). He is the ultimate "peaceable and faithful" one, whose perfect obedience and sacrifice "swallowed up" the power of sin and death, securing an eternal inheritance for those who believe (cf. [Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Christ Canceled the Record of Debt") and [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Furthermore, Christ Himself embodies the ultimate wisdom in crisis, not merely averting physical destruction but offering spiritual salvation, becoming the "mother" or nurturing center for all who are adopted into God's family, the new "inheritance of the LORD" (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - We Have Obtained an Inheritance")). Through His sacrifice, the truly innocent suffered for the truly guilty, ensuring that God's people, His precious inheritance, would not be swallowed up by judgment but redeemed for eternal life.

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

1 Samuel 26:19

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.

2 Samuel 21:3

Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

2 Samuel 17:16

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

1 Timothy 2:2

For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Psalms 124:3

Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

Numbers 16:32

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.

1 Corinthians 15:54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.