2 Samuel 20:6

KJV

And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Abishai {H52}, Now shall Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075} do us more harm {H3415} than did Absalom {H53}: take {H3947} thou thy lord's {H113} servants {H5650}, and pursue {H7291} after {H310} him, lest he get {H4672} him fenced {H1219} cities {H5892}, and escape {H5337} us {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Avishai, "Sheva the son of Bikhri is going to do us more harm than Avshalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, so that he won't take over fortified cities and escape us."

Berean Standard Bible

And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.”

American Standard Version

And David said to Abishai, Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord’s servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 20:6 captures King David's urgent and decisive response to Sheba's rebellion, which he immediately perceives as a more insidious and existential threat to the kingdom's unity than Absalom's recent uprising. Having just returned to Jerusalem amidst lingering tribal tensions, David commands his trusted military commander, Abishai, to swiftly pursue Sheba with his elite forces, recognizing the critical need to prevent the rebel from fortifying cities and establishing a prolonged, destructive civil war that could permanently fracture the nation. This verse highlights David's matured leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to preserving the fragile unity of Israel in the face of persistent internal strife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the tumultuous resolution of Absalom's rebellion and King David's controversial return to Jerusalem. The preceding chapter, [2 Samuel 19](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David's Return and Tribal Dispute"), details the contentious dispute between the tribes of Judah and Israel over who had a greater claim in bringing David back to his throne. This unresolved tension, characterized by deep-seated tribal rivalries and a sense of disenfranchisement among the northern tribes, provided fertile ground for Sheba, a Benjamite from the tribe of Saul, to incite a new revolt. Sheba's rallying cry, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse" ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")), directly capitalized on this disunity, posing a fundamental challenge not just to David's personal rule but to the very fabric of the united kingdom. David's immediate and forceful command in [2 Samuel 20:6](/2_samuel/20-6 "2 Samuel 20:6 - David's Command to Abishai") demonstrates his acute awareness that this rebellion, unlike Absalom's personal coup, was a direct assault on national cohesion and required an even swifter, more decisive response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign, while bringing significant expansion and consolidation to Israel, was perpetually challenged by internal divisions, particularly between the more established southern tribe of Judah and the northern tribes, who often felt marginalized. Sheba's rebellion, led by a Benjamite, tapped into lingering resentment from the former house of Saul and a desire for greater tribal autonomy, echoing earlier periods of disunity in Israel's history. The concept of "fenced cities" (fortified strongholds) was paramount in ancient Near Eastern warfare; such cities offered a rebel leader a secure base, a source of supplies and recruits, and a defensive position from which to prolong a conflict, making suppression far more difficult and costly. David's rapid deployment of "thy lord's servants" refers to his highly disciplined and loyal professional army, likely comprising the Cherethites and Pelethites, who were distinct from the general tribal levy and essential for swift, surgical action against a nascent threat to the kingdom's stability.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several critical themes central to David's reign and the broader narrative of Israel. First, **Decisive Leadership** is prominently displayed in David's swift assessment and immediate command, reflecting lessons learned from his initial, perhaps overly lenient, response to Absalom's protracted uprising. Second, the **Fragility of National Unity** is a pervasive concern; Sheba's rebellion was a direct assault on the kingdom's cohesion, threatening to splinter Israel along tribal lines, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of maintaining a unified nation under a single monarch, as also seen in the later division of the kingdom in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Third, **Strategic Urgency** is paramount, as David's fear of Sheba securing "fenced cities" reveals his astute understanding of military strategy and the critical importance of preemptive action to prevent a localized rebellion from escalating into a prolonged and devastating civil war. This strategic foresight, coupled with his willingness to act, is a hallmark of effective governance and a necessary response to threats against the divinely established order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harm (Hebrew, _yâraʻ'_):** The Hebrew word יָרַע (_yâraʻ_), here translated as "harm," carries the primary sense of "to be broken up" or "to be grievous." In this context, David's assessment that Sheba would do "more harm" than Absalom implies a threat that goes beyond mere personal challenge or military defeat; it signifies a deeper, more destructive disintegration of the kingdom's very foundation. It suggests a calamitous unraveling that could permanently fracture the nation along tribal lines, causing systemic damage and widespread grief.
* **Servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** The Hebrew term עֶבֶד (_ʻebed_), meaning "servant" or "bondman," when used in the phrase "thy lord's servants" (specifically referring to David's personal guard), denotes a highly loyal, professional, and disciplined military force. These were not conscripted soldiers but career warriors, such as the Cherethites and Pelethites, known for their unwavering allegiance to David. Their deployment underscores the critical nature of the mission and David's need for absolute reliability and swift execution, contrasting with the broader, less disciplined forces that might have swelled Absalom's ranks.
* **Fenced (Hebrew, _bâtsar'_):** The Hebrew root בָּצַר (_bâtsar_), translated here as "fenced" (as in "fenced cities"), means "to clip off," "to gather grapes," or "to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)." When applied to cities, it signifies being fortified, walled, or made impregnable. David's immediate concern was to prevent Sheba from establishing such a stronghold, as a "fenced city" would provide a secure base for operations, a place to gather supplies and recruits, and a defensive position, transforming a nascent rebellion into a protracted, devastating conflict that would be far more difficult and costly to suppress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to Abishai,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the direct, urgent, and authoritative nature of David's command. Abishai, Joab's brother, was a seasoned, loyal, and trusted military commander, making him the ideal recipient of such a critical and sensitive order.
* **"Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom:"**: This is David's crucial and insightful assessment of the new threat. He recognizes that Sheba's rebellion, rooted in tribal disunity and a call for secession ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")), poses a deeper, more existential threat to the kingdom's integrity and future than Absalom's personal bid for the throne. Absalom sought to replace David; Sheba sought to dismantle the united kingdom itself.
* **"take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him,"**: This is the core command for immediate and decisive action. David instructs Abishai to mobilize the most reliable and effective military units—his loyal personal guard—for an urgent and relentless pursuit. This demonstrates a learned urgency and strategic shift, contrasting with the initial, slower response to Absalom's uprising that allowed it to gain significant momentum.
* **"lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us."**: This final clause reveals David's strategic foresight and the critical motivation behind his urgency. He understands the profound military and political importance of preventing Sheba from establishing fortified strongholds. Such a development would not only make Sheba's capture far more difficult but also provide him with a secure base to prolong the rebellion indefinitely, causing far greater instability, bloodshed, and fragmentation throughout the land.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and urgency of the situation David faces. The phrase "more harm than Absalom" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore David's perception of the new threat's unparalleled severity, emphasizing that while Absalom's rebellion was devastating, Sheba's represented a more fundamental and insidious challenge to the kingdom's very existence. There is a clear **Contrast** drawn between the nature of Absalom's rebellion (a personal coup for the throne) and Sheba's (a tribal secessionist movement), highlighting the evolving and increasingly dangerous types of threats David faced. The entire command structure, from David's direct address to Abishai to the specific, immediate instructions, creates a powerful sense of **Urgency** and imperative action. Furthermore, David's concern about Sheba securing "fenced cities" functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the strategic challenges and prolonged conflict that would inevitably arise if the rebellion were allowed to gain momentum, thereby justifying the swift and decisive military response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's reign offers profound theological and thematic insights into the nature of leadership, unity, and divine sovereignty. It underscores the ever-present danger of disunity within God's people, a recurring theme throughout biblical history, from the tower of Babel to the early church's struggles. David's immediate and decisive action, born from the painful lessons of Absalom's rebellion, illustrates the wisdom required for godly leadership—a wisdom that discerns the true nature of a threat and acts proactively to preserve peace and order. The passage also subtly points to divine sovereignty, as even in the midst of human rebellion and strategic maneuvering, God's ultimate plan for His chosen king and His people continues to unfold, ensuring the preservation of the Davidic line. The fragility of human kingdoms and the constant need for vigilance against internal strife are starkly portrayed, reminding us that true security and lasting peace are ultimately found not in human strength alone, but in adherence to God's covenant and His ways.

* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Strategic Planning for Victory")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A Kingdom Divided Cannot Stand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 20:6 provides invaluable lessons for leaders and individuals alike in navigating times of crisis and disunity. David's response demonstrates the critical importance of learning from past mistakes and applying those lessons with wisdom, decisiveness, and strategic foresight. His ability to quickly assess the true nature of Sheba's threat—recognizing it as more fundamentally destructive than Absalom's—highlights the need for profound discernment beyond surface-level appearances. For us, this means not only addressing immediate problems but also understanding and confronting the underlying issues that fuel division and conflict, whether in our families, communities, churches, or personal lives. Proactive measures and strategic foresight, as exemplified by David's concern for "fenced cities," are essential to prevent minor issues from escalating into entrenched, intractable problems that become far more costly to resolve. Ultimately, this passage calls us to be vigilant against forces that seek to sow discord, to act with courage and wisdom to preserve unity and pursue peace, and to trust that God's grace empowers us in these endeavors, knowing that true peace is a gift to be diligently guarded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to respond to emerging threats or conflicts in my own life or community? Do I act decisively like David, or am I prone to hesitation, allowing issues to fester?**
* **What "fenced cities"—entrenched habits, unresolved grievances, unaddressed disunity, or unconfessed sin—might be allowing problems to fester and gain strength in my personal life, relationships, or sphere of influence?**
* **In what specific ways can I contribute to greater unity, reconciliation, and peace, rather than allowing divisions to deepen, within my family, church, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why did David consider Sheba's rebellion more harmful than Absalom's?**

Answer: David perceived Sheba's rebellion as more fundamentally damaging because it threatened the very unity and existence of the kingdom, whereas Absalom's was primarily a personal coup. Absalom sought to replace David as king, but Sheba's call, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse" ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Call to Rebellion")), was a rallying cry for tribal secession, particularly appealing to the northern tribes and those still resentful after the dispute over David's return ([2 Samuel 19:40-43](/2_samuel/19-40-43 "2 Samuel 19:40-43 - The Dispute Between Judah and Israel")). This threatened to splinter Israel into separate entities, leading to a prolonged and devastating civil war that could unravel the entire nation David had worked so hard to unite under God's covenant.

**Who were "thy lord's servants" and why were they chosen for this mission?**

Answer: "Thy lord's servants" refers to David's personal, highly loyal, and professional standing army, specifically the Cherethites and Pelethites, along with other elite warriors. These forces were distinct from the general Israelite levy and were renowned for their unwavering allegiance to David, even during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - David's Loyal Troops")). David chose them because of their proven reliability, discipline, and effectiveness, ensuring a swift and decisive response to Sheba's nascent rebellion. Entrusting Abishai, a proven and trusted military commander, with these elite troops underscored the critical need for immediate and successful action to prevent the rebellion from gaining momentum.

**What was the significance of Sheba "getting fenced cities"?**

Answer: In ancient warfare, "fenced cities" (fortified or walled cities) served as crucial strategic strongholds. If Sheba had managed to secure such cities, he would have gained a secure base of operations, a place to gather supplies and recruits, and a formidable defensive position from which to resist David's forces. This would have transformed a relatively contained rebellion into a protracted, widespread, and much more costly conflict, potentially prolonging the civil war and causing immense suffering and instability throughout the kingdom. David's immediate concern highlights his astute military strategy and his determination to nip the rebellion in the bud before it could become an entrenched, national crisis.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's decisive action against Sheba's rebellion, aimed at preserving the unity of Israel and preventing further division, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the King of kings. Just as David sought to counter forces that would tear his earthly kingdom apart, Christ came to establish an eternal kingdom characterized by perfect unity and peace. He is the ultimate leader who strategically confronts the forces of disunity and rebellion, not with earthly armies, but through His atoning sacrifice and the unifying power of His Spirit. Where Sheba sought to divide Israel along tribal lines, Christ breaks down all dividing walls, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep, ensuring that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The "fenced cities" that Sheba sought to fortify represent strongholds of rebellion against God and His people, but Christ has triumphed over all such powers and authorities, disarming them through the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, Christ's reign brings about the true and lasting unity of God's people, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), where there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, but all are one in Him through faith ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")), fulfilling God's eternal purpose for His unified people.

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 11:11

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? [as] thou livest, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

2 Samuel 21:17

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

1 Kings 1:33

The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:

2 Samuel 10:9

When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice [men] of Israel, and put [them] in array against the Syrians:

2 Samuel 10:10

And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put [them] in array against the children of Ammon.

2 Samuel 18:12

And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand [shekels] of silver in mine hand, [yet] would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none [touch] the young man Absalom.

2 Samuel 2:18

¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.