2 Samuel 20:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The matter {H1697} is not so: but a man {H376} of mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075} by name {H8034}, hath lifted up {H5375} his hand {H3027} against the king {H4428}, even against David {H1732}: deliver {H5414} him only, and I will depart {H3212} from the city {H5892}. And the woman {H802} said {H559} unto Joab {H3097}, Behold, his head {H7218} shall be thrown {H7993} to thee over {H1157} the wall {H2346}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That's not how it is. Rather, a man from the hills of Efrayim, Sheva the son of Bikhri, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Just turn him over to me, and I will leave the city." The woman said to Yo'av, "All right, his head will be thrown to you over the wall."

Berean Standard Bible

That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”

American Standard Version

The matter is not so: but a man of the hill-country of 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 20:21 captures a pivotal negotiation during Sheba's rebellion, where Joab, King David's commander, besieges Abel of Beth-maachah to apprehend the rebel Sheba. An unnamed wise woman from the city confronts Joab, clarifying that the city is not complicit in Sheba's rebellion but is merely harboring him. She shrewdly offers a solution to spare her city: the delivery of Sheba's head. This verse highlights the woman's diplomatic wisdom and the pragmatic, yet brutal, measures taken to restore order and prevent widespread destruction during a period of intense political instability in David's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joab's pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri, who has incited a new rebellion after Absalom's defeat. Joab has cornered Sheba in Abel of Beth-maachah and begun a siege. The preceding verses describe the gathering of David's forces and Joab's strategic move to trap Sheba. The dialogue in [2 Samuel 20:16-22](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16-22 - The Wise Woman's Intervention") forms a distinct literary unit, showcasing the woman's intervention. This specific verse marks the critical turning point where the terms of resolution are articulated, moving the narrative from military confrontation to diplomatic resolution. It sets the stage for the swift conclusion of Sheba's rebellion, contrasting with the drawn-out conflict of [Absalom's revolt](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15-19](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins") to [2 Samuel 19](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David's Return to Jerusalem")) was marked by deep tribal divisions, particularly between Judah and the northern tribes of Israel. Sheba, a Benjamite, exploited this discontent, rallying the northern tribes with the cry, "We have no portion in David!" ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")). Cities under siege in ancient Near Eastern warfare faced dire consequences, including plunder, slaughter, and enslavement, if they resisted. The wise woman's intervention reflects the desperate situation of a city facing total destruction for harboring a rebel, even if unwillingly. Her role as a spokesperson for the city, though unnamed, suggests a recognized position of authority or influence within the community, perhaps as an elder or a respected figure, a common occurrence in ancient Israelite society where wisdom was highly valued ([Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - The Valued Woman")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it underscores the **fragility of David's unified kingdom** and the persistent tribal tensions that would eventually lead to the kingdom's division. Sheba's rebellion, though swiftly quelled, highlights the deep-seated resentments that simmered beneath the surface of David's reign. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **wisdom and diplomacy** as an alternative to brute force. The wise woman's strategic communication and willingness to make a difficult choice save her city, demonstrating that true leadership can avert catastrophe. This contrasts sharply with the destructive path of rebellion taken by figures like Absalom and Sheba. Finally, the verse reinforces the **consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king**, not only for the rebel but for the innocent communities caught in the crossfire. Joab's focused objective to eliminate the threat, rather than indiscriminately punish, also speaks to the nature of military justice in the Davidic kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"The matter [is] not so" (Hebrew, _lo' ken_):** This concise phrase, spoken by the wise woman, serves as a direct and immediate refutation of Joab's implied assumption that the entire city of Abel of Beth-maachah is in rebellion or complicit with Sheba. It's a powerful opening gambit in a negotiation, designed to disarm the aggressor by clarifying a fundamental misunderstanding. It asserts the city's innocence and opens the door for a peaceful resolution, shifting the focus from collective guilt to individual culpability.
* **"lifted up his hand against the king" (Hebrew, _nasa' yad 'al ha-melekh_):** This is a well-established biblical idiom for rebellion, insurrection, or an act of defiance and violence against a sovereign. It signifies a direct challenge to authority, particularly the divinely appointed king. In this context, it clearly defines Sheba's action as treason, justifying Joab's military response and the city's desperate need to dissociate itself from such an act to avoid collective punishment.
* **"his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall" (Hebrew, _ro'sho yishlak 'eleykha ba-ḥomah_):** This stark and graphic statement by the woman is the ultimate demonstration of her commitment to saving her city. It signifies a complete surrender of the rebel and a willingness to perform a brutal act to prove loyalty and secure peace. The act of "throwing" the head emphasizes the swiftness and finality of the execution, a desperate measure to appease Joab and secure the city's survival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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:"** The wise woman begins by correcting Joab's premise, asserting that the city itself is not inherently rebellious. She then identifies the true culprit: Sheba, a specific individual from the hill country of Ephraim (though a Benjamite by lineage, his base of operations might have been in Ephraimite territory or he was rallying support there), who has committed an act of treason against King David. This clarifies the situation, shifting the blame from the collective city to the individual rebel.
* **"deliver him only, and I will depart from the city."** This is Joab's clear and non-negotiable demand. His objective is singular: the apprehension and elimination of Sheba. He assures the woman that his quarrel is not with the city, but with the rebel within it. This statement provides the city with a pathway to peace and survival, contingent upon their cooperation in delivering Sheba.
* **"And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall."** The wise woman's response is immediate and decisive. Without hesitation, she accepts Joab's terms, demonstrating her absolute commitment to saving her people. Her promise to deliver Sheba's head, a gruesome but effective proof of his demise, signifies the city's willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice of one individual to secure the safety and survival of the entire community.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic tension and resolution. **Dialogue** is central, driving the narrative forward as the wise woman and Joab engage in a high-stakes negotiation. The woman's opening phrase, "**The matter [is] not so,**" serves as a powerful **reversal** of Joab's implied assumptions, immediately shifting the power dynamic and opening a path for diplomacy. The phrase "**lifted up his hand against the king**" is a clear **idiom**, succinctly conveying the gravity of Sheba's treason. The entire exchange functions as a **synecdoche**, where the wise woman represents the entire city of Abel of Beth-maachah, and her actions determine the fate of all its inhabitants. Finally, the stark image of Sheba's head being "thrown... over the wall" is a vivid and brutal **metonymy** for his execution and the city's desperate act of self-preservation, emphasizing the grim realities of ancient warfare and the lengths to which people would go to survive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal exchange in 2 Samuel 20:21 resonates with profound theological and thematic implications. It highlights the biblical emphasis on **justice and accountability**, demonstrating that while collective punishment was a real threat in ancient warfare, there was also a recognition of individual culpability. The wise woman's plea for discernment and Joab's focused objective underscore the principle that the innocent should not suffer for the actions of the guilty, a theme echoed throughout biblical law and prophetic literature. Furthermore, the passage showcases the divine value placed on **wisdom and peacemaking**, even in the direst circumstances. The woman's strategic intervention, driven by a desire to preserve life, mirrors the broader biblical call to seek peace and pursue justice, demonstrating how God can use unexpected agents to bring about resolution and prevent greater catastrophe. It also subtly reinforces the concept of a **righteous king's authority**, as rebellion against David, God's anointed, is treated with utmost seriousness, yet tempered by a willingness to spare the innocent.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Accountability")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah in 2 Samuel 20:21 offers timeless lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning leadership, conflict resolution, and moral courage. In moments of crisis, it is often the voice of wisdom and discernment that can cut through the noise of aggression and fear to identify the true problem and propose a viable solution. The woman's ability to remain calm, articulate the facts, and offer a decisive, albeit difficult, path to peace is a powerful model for navigating complex challenges. Her actions remind us that true leadership isn't always about wielding power, but often about strategic communication, understanding the core objective of the opposing party, and being willing to make hard choices for the greater good. This passage challenges us to consider how we respond when our communities or organizations face threats, urging us to seek understanding, prioritize peace, and hold individuals accountable, rather than allowing collective blame or indiscriminate action to prevail. It underscores that even in the face of overwhelming force, a single voice of reason can alter the course of events and preserve what is valuable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like the wise woman, seek to understand the true nature of a conflict before reacting, and what role does clear communication play in de-escalation?**
* **What difficult "sacrifices" might be necessary in our own lives or communities to achieve peace or preserve greater good, and how do we discern when such sacrifices are justified?**
* **In what ways do individual actions, whether rebellious or righteous, impact the wider community, and how can we foster a culture of accountability?**

### FAQ
**Who was the wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah, and why is she unnamed?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide her name, which is common for many significant female figures in the Old Testament, often emphasizing their role or actions over their personal identity. She is simply identified as "a wise woman" ([2 Samuel 20:16](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16 - The Wise Woman's Initial Call")). Her wisdom, rather than her lineage or personal details, is the focal point. She likely held a position of respect or authority within the city, perhaps as an elder or a recognized community leader, allowing her to speak on behalf of the inhabitants and negotiate directly with Joab. Her anonymity allows her to represent the collective wisdom and desperate plight of the city itself.

**Why was Joab willing to negotiate rather than simply destroy the city?**

Answer: Joab's primary objective was to apprehend Sheba, the rebel who had "lifted up his hand against the king" ([2 Samuel 20:21](/2_samuel/20-21 "2 Samuel 20:21 - Joab's Demand")). His mission was to restore order and eliminate the threat to David's reign, not to engage in indiscriminate destruction. The wise woman's intervention clarified that the city itself was not complicit in Sheba's rebellion, but merely harboring him. By offering to deliver Sheba, she provided Joab with a swift and efficient means to achieve his military objective without expending further resources or causing unnecessary bloodshed, which would have been politically undesirable for David's already fragile kingdom. His willingness to negotiate shows a pragmatic approach to warfare, focused on achieving the strategic goal with minimal collateral damage.

**What happened to Sheba after this verse?**

Answer: Following the wise woman's promise in [2 Samuel 20:21](/2_samuel/20-21 "2 Samuel 20:21 - The Woman's Promise"), the city's inhabitants took immediate action. They "cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab" ([2 Samuel 20:22](/2_samuel/20-22 "2 Samuel 20:22 - Sheba's Execution")). This swift and brutal act fulfilled the woman's promise and Joab's demand, effectively ending Sheba's rebellion. Upon receiving the head, Joab blew the trumpet, and his forces withdrew from the city, returning to Jerusalem. Sheba's rebellion was thus quickly and decisively crushed, restoring a fragile peace to David's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 20:21 describes a grim act of judgment and sacrifice for the preservation of a physical city and kingdom, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate, infinitely greater act of substitutionary sacrifice in Christ. The wise woman's desperate plea to deliver one life to save many finds its perfect and divine fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, like the city of Abel, was under a sentence of judgment due to rebellion against God's holy rule, a rebellion far deeper than Sheba's treason against David. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, did not demand the head of a rebel from humanity, but rather offered His own Son, the innocent [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), as the perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David"), willingly "lifted up his hand" not in rebellion, but to be nailed to the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin and rebellion ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Through His death, He became the one delivered up "over the wall" of sin and death, not to appease a human commander, but to satisfy divine justice and secure peace for all who believe ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). Thus, the bloody resolution in 2 Samuel 20:21, born of human necessity, points forward to the glorious, redemptive act of God, where one perfect life was given to save not just a city, but all who would trust in the ultimate King and Peacemaker, Jesus Christ, bringing about an eternal reconciliation far surpassing any temporal peace ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation through 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

Jeremiah 50:19

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

1 Samuel 26:9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

2 Samuel 20:1

¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

Jeremiah 4:15

For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim.

2 Samuel 23:18

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, [and] slew [them], and had the name among three.

Judges 18:4

And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.

Judges 18:8

And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What [say] ye?