2 Samuel 20:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the woman {H802} went {H935} unto all the people {H5971} in her wisdom {H2451}. And they cut off {H3772} the head {H7218} of Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075}, and cast {H7993} it out to Joab {H3097}. And he blew {H8628} a trumpet {H7782}, and they retired {H6327} from the city {H5892}, every man {H376} to his tent {H168}. And Joab {H3097} returned {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389} unto the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the woman went to all the people with her wise plan. They cut off the head of Sheva the son of Bikhri and threw it out to Yo'av. So he sounded the shofar, and they left the city, sending each man to his tent; while Yo'av returned to the king in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse culminates the rebellion of Sheba, son of Bichri, against King David, powerfully demonstrating how strategic wisdom and decisive action can avert widespread destruction. Through the intervention of an unnamed wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah, the city's inhabitants are persuaded to choose loyalty over rebellion, swiftly executing Sheba and delivering his head to Joab. This pragmatic act immediately ends the siege, disperses Joab's forces, and restores order, bringing a turbulent period to a swift and peaceful close.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Samuel 20:22](/2_samuel/20-22 "2 Samuel 20:22 - The End of Sheba's Rebellion") serves as the dramatic climax and resolution of Sheba's rebellion, which erupted in the immediate aftermath of King David's tumultuous return to Jerusalem following Absalom's devastating revolt. The preceding chapters (specifically [2 Samuel 19](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David's Return to Jerusalem") and [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion")) detail the deep-seated tribal tensions, particularly between Judah and the northern tribes, which Sheba exploited with his rallying cry, "We have no part in David!" ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")). Joab, David's seasoned general, was dispatched to quash the uprising, eventually cornering Sheba in the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. The narrative builds intense suspense as Joab lays siege, constructing a siege ramp and preparing to "swallow it up" ([2 Samuel 20:19](/2_samuel/20-19 "2 Samuel 20:19 - The Wise Woman's Plea to Joab")), implying total annihilation. This verse provides the miraculous turning point, where a diplomatic solution, initiated by a wise woman, averts the impending catastrophe and brings the conflict to an abrupt, decisive end, setting the stage for the subsequent listing of David's officials and the re-establishment of administrative order in [2 Samuel 20:23-26](/2_samuel/20-23-26 "2 Samuel 20:23-26 - David's Officials").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following Absalom's rebellion (detailed in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion")) was marked by significant instability and a fragile consolidation of power for David's kingdom. Tribal loyalties were often fluid, and the Benjamite tribe, from which Sheba originated, harbored lingering resentments from the downfall of Saul's dynasty, making them fertile ground for rebellion against David. Siege warfare was a brutal and common reality in the ancient Near East; cities that harbored rebels or resisted royal authority faced complete annihilation, with inhabitants often put to the sword and the city razed. The gruesome practice of presenting the head of a defeated enemy or rebel was a widespread custom, serving as undeniable proof of death and a potent symbol of the threat's eradication. Within this predominantly patriarchal society, the emergence of a "wise woman" as a central figure of mediation and leadership, as observed here and with the woman of Tekoa in [2 Samuel 14](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - The Woman of Tekoa"), is noteworthy. Such figures, though rare in the biblical narrative, highlight that wisdom and influence were not exclusively confined to men, and they were highly respected for their practical discernment and ability to navigate complex, life-threatening situations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within the broader narrative of 2 Samuel and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **the transformative power of wisdom**, demonstrating that strategic insight and diplomatic skill can achieve peace and preserve life far more effectively than brute military force. The wise woman's intervention is the pivotal turning point, showcasing wisdom (Hebrew: _ḥokmâ_) as a divine gift that promotes order and well-being, echoing the sentiments of [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."). Secondly, the verse illustrates the **severe consequences of rebellion against established authority**, particularly against God's anointed king. Sheba's swift and brutal demise serves as a stark warning to those who would sow discord and challenge the divinely sanctioned leadership of David, reinforcing the stability and unity of the kingdom after the turmoil of Absalom's revolt, a principle later articulated in [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1-2 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Lastly, it subtly emphasizes **the importance of community responsibility and self-preservation**. The city's inhabitants, persuaded by the wise woman's pragmatic counsel, choose to sacrifice one individual (Sheba) to save the entire community, demonstrating a clear understanding of loyalty and the ultimate cost of harboring a rebel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _ḥokmâ'_):** (H2451) This term refers not merely to intellectual knowledge, but to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to act effectively and prudently in complex, high-stakes situations. It encompasses shrewdness, good judgment, and the capacity to navigate social and political challenges to achieve a beneficial outcome. In this context, the woman's _ḥokmâ_ is profoundly demonstrated by her courage to approach Joab, her persuasive argumentation, and her ability to rally her own people to a decisive, life-saving action.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kārat'_):** (H3772) This verb signifies a decisive act of severance, often with violent implications. While _kārat_ can also mean to "make a covenant" (by cutting animals), here it literally describes the act of decapitation. The immediate and brutal nature of "cutting off the head" emphasizes the finality of Sheba's defeat and the swift, unforgiving justice meted out by the city's inhabitants to secure their own survival.
* **Blew a trumpet (Hebrew, _tāqaʿ šôp̄ār'_):** (H8628, H7782) The blowing of the _shofar_ (trumpet) was a common military signal in ancient Israel. It could signify assembly, the beginning of battle, or, as in this instance, the cessation of hostilities and the dispersal of troops. Joab's command to blow the trumpet immediately after receiving Sheba's head underscores his authority and the disciplined nature of David's army, allowing for a swift and orderly withdrawal from the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom":** This clause highlights the wise woman's proactive leadership and the persuasive power of her counsel. Having successfully negotiated with Joab and secured a conditional peace, she now turns to her own community, demonstrating her ability to influence and mobilize them to action. Her "wisdom" is not just in speaking to the general, but in convincing her fellow citizens of the pragmatic necessity of their actions to save their lives and their city.
* **"And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab":** This describes the immediate and decisive response of the city's inhabitants. Convinced by the wise woman's compelling argument, they take justice into their own hands, executing Sheba and delivering his head as irrefutable proof of his death and their renewed loyalty to King David. This act signifies their rejection of the rebellion and their willingness to sacrifice one life to save the entire city from destruction.
* **"And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent":** Upon receiving the gruesome but conclusive evidence of Sheba's demise, Joab immediately signals the end of the siege. The trumpet blast is a clear military command, and the subsequent dispersal of the army "every man to his tent" indicates a swift, orderly, and peaceful conclusion to the campaign, restoring a sense of normalcy and peace to the region.
* **"And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king":** This final phrase confirms the successful completion of Joab's mission and the full restoration of royal authority. His return to Jerusalem signifies the complete quelling of the rebellion, the re-establishment of stability to David's kingdom after a turbulent period, and the affirmation of David's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Samuel 20:22](/2_samuel/20-22 "2 Samuel 20:22 - The End of Sheba's Rebellion") employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the imminent, brutal destruction of Abel of Beth-maachah (implied by Joab's siege preparations in preceding verses) with the peaceful and swift resolution achieved through the wise woman's intervention. This highlights the profound power of diplomacy and wisdom over brute military force, emphasizing that a well-reasoned argument can be more potent than a battering ram. The "head of Sheba" serves as a potent **Symbolism**, representing the definitive end of the rebellion, the eradication of the threat, and the reassertion of Davidic authority. Similarly, the "trumpet" is a powerful **Symbol** of military command and the immediate transition from conflict and siege to peace and dispersal. The entire episode also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, demonstrating the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king and reinforcing the eventual stability and divine preservation of David's kingdom, despite internal strife, through decisive action and God-given wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resolution of Sheba's rebellion in [2 Samuel 20:22](/2_samuel/20-22 "2 Samuel 20:22 - The End of Sheba's Rebellion") offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine wisdom, the consequences of rebellion, and God's providential care for His anointed. The unnamed wise woman acts as a remarkable instrument of divine wisdom, demonstrating that God can use unexpected individuals, regardless of their social standing or gender, to bring about peace and justice, even in the midst of chaos. Her practical discernment, courage, and persuasive ability reflect a wisdom that is not merely intellectual but divinely empowered to preserve life and order, echoing the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a gift from God (e.g., [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Wisdom from God")). The swift execution of Sheba underscores the biblical principle that rebellion against legitimate, God-ordained authority carries severe consequences, reinforcing the sanctity of the king's rule and the importance of societal order for the well-being of the community. Ultimately, this episode illustrates God's faithfulness in preserving David's kingdom, even when it faces internal threats, by raising up agents of peace and justice and ensuring the triumph of order over chaos.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1-2 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [2 Samuel 20:22](/2_samuel/20-22 "2 Samuel 20:22 - The End of Sheba's Rebellion") offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It powerfully illustrates the extraordinary impact that one individual, empowered by wisdom, courage, and discernment, can have in averting catastrophe and promoting peace. The wise woman of Abel of Beth-maachah did not possess military might, political office, or even a name in the text, yet her discerning counsel and persuasive communication saved an entire city from utter destruction. This challenges us to recognize the potential for positive influence within our own spheres, regardless of our perceived status, power, or gender. In times of conflict, whether personal, communal, or societal, this passage encourages us to prioritize peaceful resolution and to actively seek out or embody the kind of practical wisdom that can bridge divides and prevent destructive outcomes. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic responsibility and the willingness to address sources of discord decisively for the greater good, even when it involves difficult and uncomfortable choices. We are called to be peacemakers, using our God-given wisdom to foster harmony and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate the kind of practical wisdom and courageous discernment demonstrated by the woman of Abel in our own lives and communities?**
* **When faced with conflict or division, what steps can we take to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions before resorting to more aggressive or destructive measures?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the importance of discerning leadership and the willingness of a community to act for the greater good, even when it requires difficult sacrifices?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to harbor "Shebas" (sources of discord, rebellion, or unresolved sin) in our own lives, families, or spheres of influence, and how can we decisively address them for the sake of peace and spiritual health?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "wise woman" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "wise woman" of Abel of Beth-maachah is not named in the biblical text, which is a significant detail. Her anonymity serves to emphasize her role as an embodiment of practical wisdom and civic responsibility rather than her individual identity. She is presented as a resourceful and courageous leader who understands both the immediate military threat posed by Joab's army and the pragmatic necessity of dealing with Sheba to save her people. Her wisdom is demonstrated through her ability to initiate dialogue with Joab ([2 Samuel 20:16-21](/2_samuel/20-16-21 "2 Samuel 20:16-21 - The Wise Woman's Conversation with Joab")), articulate a compelling argument for peace, and then successfully persuade her own city's inhabitants to take decisive action, ultimately saving countless lives and preserving her community.

**Why did the people of Abel of Beth-maachah turn against Sheba?**

Answer: The citizens of Abel of Beth-maachah turned against Sheba because the wise woman convinced them that harboring him would inevitably lead to the complete destruction of their city by Joab's forces. She appealed to their fundamental instinct for self-preservation and their ultimate loyalty to King David, framing Sheba as a disruptive element who was not worth the cost of their lives and the obliteration of their city. Her argument, as recorded in [2 Samuel 20:18-21](/2_samuel/20-18-21 "2 Samuel 20:18-21 - The Wise Woman's Plea to Joab"), was compelling and pragmatic: why should an entire city perish for the sake of one rebel who had brought the siege upon them? Their action was a clear, pragmatic choice for survival and a demonstration of allegiance to legitimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The resolution of Sheba's rebellion through the wisdom of an unnamed woman and the sacrifice of one life to save many finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as the wise woman brought peace and averted destruction, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). He is indeed "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is our true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who came not to condemn but to reconcile, breaking down the wall of hostility and making peace through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The act of sacrificing Sheba's head to save the city foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life to redeem not just a city, but all humanity from the rebellion of sin and its destructive consequences. His death on the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love, brought about a peace and reconciliation that no human wisdom or military might could ever achieve, offering true life and eternal peace to all who turn from their rebellion and embrace Him as King and Savior ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")).

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 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.

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city.

2 Samuel 18:16

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

Ecclesiastes 9:13

¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

Ecclesiastes 9:18

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

2 Samuel 3:28

And afterward when David heard [it], he said, I and my kingdom [are] guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

2 Samuel 3:39

And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.