2 Samuel 20:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Far be it {H2486}, far be it {H2486} from me, that I should swallow up {H1104} or destroy {H7843}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av answered, "Heaven forbid! Heaven forbid that I should swallow or destroy anything!

Berean Standard Bible

“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 20:20, Joab, King David's formidable military commander, issues a vehement and unequivocal denial of any intent to inflict widespread destruction or indiscriminate violence upon the city of Abel of Beth-maachah. This forceful declaration is a direct response to the wise woman's challenge from the city wall, through which Joab clarifies his precise objective: to apprehend Sheba, the rebel leader who has sought refuge within the city, rather than to "swallow up or destroy" its innocent inhabitants or the city itself. Joab's emphatic statement underscores a crucial distinction between targeted justice against a specific insurgent and the wanton devastation of a loyal Israelite community during wartime.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion"), immediately following Absalom's failed rebellion and a period of lingering political instability and tribal tension within Israel. Sheba, a Benjaminite, capitalizes on these divisions to incite a new insurrection against King David. Joab, ever the decisive military leader, swiftly pursues Sheba to the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. As Joab's forces prepare for a siege, a "wise woman" from the city initiates a critical dialogue from the wall, questioning Joab's intentions in [2 Samuel 20:16](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16 - The Wise Woman's Intervention"). Joab's response in [2 Samuel 20:20](/2_samuel/20-20 "2 Samuel 20:20 - Joab's Emphatic Denial") is a direct and forceful denial, setting the stage for the negotiation that ultimately resolves the conflict without a full-scale assault. This exchange highlights the power of communication and strategic thinking even amidst military conflict, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to achieving objectives with minimal collateral damage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was marked by both the unification of the Israelite tribes under a single monarchy and persistent internal strife, particularly the tribal rivalries between Judah and the northern tribes. Sheba's rebellion, much like Absalom's, exploited these deep-seated divisions. Ancient Near Eastern warfare, including siege tactics, could be brutal, but there were also established customs regarding the treatment of cities, sometimes allowing for negotiation before total destruction, as seen in the laws of warfare outlined in [Deuteronomy 20:10-14](/deuteronomy/20-10-14 "Deuteronomy 20:10-14 - Laws of Warfare and Siege"). The emergence of a "wise woman" in such a critical situation is noteworthy; these figures often possessed significant moral authority and practical wisdom within Israelite society, capable of mediating disputes and influencing outcomes, as exemplified by the woman of Tekoa in [2 Samuel 14](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - The Woman of Tekoa"). Joab's willingness to engage with her, rather than simply proceeding with the siege, reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at achieving his objective with minimal cost and collateral damage to a fellow Israelite city.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative in [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion") explores several prominent themes crucial to understanding the dynamics of David's kingdom. **Leadership and Authority** are central, as David's rule is once again challenged, and Joab acts decisively to reassert royal control. A critical theme is the distinction between **Justice and Indiscriminate Violence**; Joab's denial emphasizes that his mission is precisely targeted at a specific rebel, Sheba, rather than a general destruction of the city or its innocent inhabitants. This highlights the concept of **Accountability**, where the individual rebel is distinguished from the collective populace. The pivotal role of **Wisdom and Diplomacy** is also evident through the wise woman's intervention, demonstrating that even in military contexts, dialogue can avert unnecessary bloodshed and achieve strategic goals. Finally, the passage underscores the **Fragility of Unity** within Israel, constantly threatened by internal divisions and the lingering effects of previous conflicts, a theme that resonates throughout the books of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy") and [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Far be it (Hebrew, _châlîylâh'_):** This word (H2486), often doubled as in this verse ("חָלִילָה לִּי חָלִילָה לִּי"), functions as a powerful interjection expressing strong abhorrence, indignation, or emphatic denial. Derived from a root meaning "to profane," it literally implies "a profaned thing be it to me" or "God forbid!" It is used to convey an absolute rejection of a proposed or implied action. Joab's repetition of "far be it" underscores the depth of his revulsion at the idea of indiscriminately destroying an Israelite city, signaling his moral and strategic distance from such an act.
* **swallow up (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** The verb (H1104) means to make away with, specifically by swallowing; generally, to destroy, devour, or engulf. It conveys the idea of complete absorption or annihilation, leaving nothing behind. In this context, it speaks to the utter obliteration of the city and its inhabitants, implying a total and irreversible devastation, a complete consumption of its existence.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** The verb (H7843) means to decay, ruin, corrupt, spoil, or lay waste. While similar to "swallow up," it often implies a process of decay, a state of ruin, or a marring of something's integrity rather than immediate consumption. Together, "swallow up or destroy" forms a comprehensive expression of destructive actions, from complete annihilation to gradual ruin, which Joab vehemently denies intending for the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab answered and said,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the conversational framework. Joab is presented as directly responding to the wise woman's implied accusation or question regarding his intentions toward the city. It sets the stage for his emphatic declaration, indicating that his words are a direct counter-statement designed to clarify a perceived misunderstanding or challenge to his motives.
* **"Far be it, far be it from me,"**: This is the emotional and volitional core of Joab's response. The powerful doubling of "Far be it" (חָלִילָה לִּי חָָלִילָה לִּי) serves as an intense rhetorical device, emphasizing the absolute impossibility and moral repugnance of the action he is about to deny. It functions as a strong, oath-like statement, conveying that such an act would be anathema to him, utterly contrary to his character, principles, or strategic objectives in this specific context.
* **"that I should swallow up or destroy."**: This final clause precisely specifies the actions Joab so vehemently disavows. The coupling of the verbs "swallow up" and "destroy" covers the full spectrum of devastating outcomes—from complete obliteration to ruin and corruption. By denying these intentions, Joab clarifies that his objective is not general devastation but a targeted military operation aimed solely at the rebel leader, Sheba, not the innocent populace or the city itself. This crucial distinction is foundational for understanding his strategy and for the subsequent peaceful resolution that saves the city from siege.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is prominently featured in "Far be it, far be it from me," which serves to intensify Joab's emphatic denial and convey the profound depth of his abhorrence for the suggested action. This doubling creates a sense of urgency, conviction, and absolute rejection. The statement itself functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Denial**, where Joab refutes an unstated but clearly implied accusation from the wise woman, thereby clarifying his true intentions and setting the record straight. This denial also establishes a stark **Contrast** between the perceived intent (indiscriminate destruction) and Joab's actual, more targeted objective (apprehending Sheba). This contrast highlights the moral and strategic distinction Joab wishes to make, emphasizing that his military actions are not wanton but purposeful. Furthermore, the use of the two verbs "swallow up" and "destroy" can be understood as a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality, in this case, the full extent of devastation, from complete annihilation to gradual ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joab's emphatic denial in 2 Samuel 20:20, "Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy," resonates with profound theological and thematic principles concerning justice, warfare, and the sanctity of human life within a covenant community. While Joab is known for his ruthless pragmatism as a military commander, his statement here reflects a recognition, however strategic, that not all destruction is permissible, especially against loyal Israelites. It aligns with the biblical emphasis on targeted justice, where punishment is ideally meted out to the guilty, not indiscriminately to the innocent, a principle articulated in [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Accountability"). This distinction is crucial within a covenant community, where the lives of fellow Israelites hold a particular sanctity. The wise woman's intervention and Joab's response also highlight the importance of dialogue and seeking peaceful resolutions even in the midst of conflict, preventing unnecessary bloodshed and upholding a measure of order and righteousness within the kingdom. This echoes aspects of God's own character, who is just and merciful, distinguishing between the wicked and the righteous, and always providing a way for repentance and reconciliation.

* [Deuteronomy 20:10-11](/deuteronomy/20-10-11 "Deuteronomy 20:10-11 - Offer of Peace Before Siege")
* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility for Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joab's vehement denial offers a powerful lesson in the importance of clarifying intentions, especially when actions might be misinterpreted or when there's a risk of causing unintended harm. In our personal and communal lives, misunderstandings can escalate conflicts unnecessarily. Just as Joab sought to distinguish between the rebel Sheba and the innocent city, we are called to exercise discernment, ensuring our responses and actions are targeted toward the actual problem or offense, rather than causing widespread damage or alienating those who are not truly at fault. This applies to interpersonal relationships, church conflicts, and even broader societal issues. It reminds us that even in the pursuit of justice or resolution, there is a moral imperative to protect the innocent and seek the most peaceful and least destructive path. Our words have the power to either ignite or extinguish conflict, and a clear, honest, and empathetic explanation of our motives can often prevent greater harm and open doors for constructive dialogue, leading to resolutions that honor human dignity and preserve relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a situation where your intentions were misunderstood, and how did you clarify them effectively?**
* **In what areas of your life (family, work, church, community) might you be tempted to "swallow up or destroy" (i.e., overreact or cause widespread, untargeted damage) instead of addressing a specific issue or person with precision?**
* **How can we, as individuals or communities, better distinguish between the "guilty" (the root problem, the specific sin, the actual offense) and the "innocent" (those unintentionally caught in the crossfire, or the broader community affected by our actions)?**
* **What role does open, honest, and empathetic communication play in preventing conflict escalation and achieving peaceful, constructive resolutions in your experience?**

### FAQ

**What was the "wise woman's" role in this narrative?**

Answer: The wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah played a pivotal role as a courageous mediator and astute negotiator. Recognizing the imminent threat of Joab's siege, she initiated a dialogue from the city wall, appealing to Joab's sense of justice and strategic pragmatism. She challenged his intent to destroy a loyal Israelite city, effectively providing an opportunity for Joab to clarify his objectives and for the city to avoid destruction. Her wisdom and courage in speaking directly to the military commander ultimately led to a peaceful resolution, saving her city by facilitating the delivery of Sheba's head to Joab, as detailed in [2 Samuel 20:16-22](/2_samuel/20-16-22 "2 Samuel 20:16-22 - The Wise Woman's Intervention and Resolution").

**Why was Joab so emphatic in his denial?**

Answer: Joab's emphatic denial ("Far be it, far be it from me") was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it immediately diffused the tension and directly addressed the wise woman's implied accusation that he intended indiscriminate destruction. Secondly, it clarified his true, targeted objective: to apprehend Sheba, the rebel leader, not to harm the city or its innocent inhabitants. This distinction was important for both strategic and moral reasons, as destroying a loyal Israelite city without just cause would have been a significant act of injustice and a stain on David's reign. His strong denial opened the door for negotiation and a peaceful resolution, allowing him to achieve his military goal without a costly and bloody siege, thereby preserving resources and lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joab's vehement denial of wanting to "swallow up or destroy" the city, but rather to target the rebel within it, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and mission of Jesus Christ. Unlike earthly commanders who, even with good intentions, might still cause collateral damage, Jesus came not to condemn or destroy, but to save. As [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World") declares, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Jesus' mission was precisely targeted: to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), to liberate humanity from the rebellion of sin and its destructive power, not to annihilate humanity itself. While sin is the "rebel" within us that leads to spiritual death, Christ's desire is not to "swallow up or destroy" the sinner, but to offer redemption and life. His abhorrence is for sin, not for the one enslaved by it. He perfectly distinguishes between the sin and the sinner, offering a path to peace and reconciliation through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), demonstrating ultimate justice perfectly intertwined with boundless mercy, a stark contrast to the limited and often harsh justice of human warfare. His kingdom is built on salvation and restoration, not on destruction, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a King who brings peace and healing ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Job 21:16

Lo, their good [is] not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

2 Samuel 23:17

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

Luke 10:29

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

2 Samuel 20:10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Job 22:18

Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?