2 Samuel 20:7

KJV

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there went out {H3318} after {H310} him Joab's {H3097} men {H582}, and the Cherethites {H3774}, and the Pelethites {H6432}, and all the mighty men {H1368}: and they went out {H3318} of Jerusalem {H3389}, to pursue {H7291} after {H310} Sheba {H7652} the son {H1121} of Bichri {H1075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With him went Yo'av's men, the K'reti, the P'leti and all the experienced soldiers; they left Yerushalayim in pursuit of Sheva the son of Bikhri.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.

American Standard Version

And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 20:7 vividly portrays the immediate and decisive military response initiated by King David to suppress the burgeoning rebellion led by Sheba the son of Bichri. This verse details the key components of David's loyal forces—Joab's personal contingent, the elite Cherethites and Pelethites, and the renowned mighty men—as they swiftly depart Jerusalem to pursue and neutralize the new threat to the kingdom's fragile unity, underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of their mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in David's reign, immediately following the traumatic and ultimately tragic suppression of [Absalom's rebellion](/2_samuel/18 "2 Samuel 18 - Absalom's Defeat and Death"). The kingdom is in a state of fragile recovery, with tensions still high between the tribes, particularly Judah and Israel, over David's return to Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 19:40-43](/2_samuel/19-40 "2 Samuel 19:40-43 - The Dispute Between Israel and Judah")). It is precisely into this volatile environment that Sheba, a Benjamite, steps forward to incite further division, proclaiming, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel" ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion Begins")). David, having just dealt with a major internal uprising, recognizes the immediate and severe threat posed by Sheba's separatist movement. He initially tasks Amasa with gathering Judah's forces, but Amasa's delay prompts David to issue an urgent command to Abishai to pursue Sheba without delay ([2 Samuel 20:4-6](/2_samuel/20-4 "2 Samuel 20:4-6 - David's Orders to Amasa and Abishai")). Verse 7 then shows the actual implementation of this pursuit, with Joab, despite his recent disfavor, effectively taking the lead, demonstrating his indispensable military prowess and the unwavering loyalty of his core units.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was characterized by the ongoing process of consolidating the Israelite tribes into a unified monarchy, a task often met with internal resistance and tribal loyalties that predated the concept of a centralized kingdom. The "son of Bichri" (Sheba) being a Benjamite is significant, as Benjamin was Saul's tribe and still harbored resentments against David's ascendancy. The mention of "Cherethites" and "Pelethites" points to David's reliance on a professional, likely foreign, mercenary guard. These units were not tied to tribal allegiances within Israel, making them exceptionally loyal to the king personally. Their presence highlights a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs who employed such elite, non-tribal forces as a reliable bodyguard and strike team, especially valuable when internal loyalties were strained. The swiftness of the response also reflects the political reality that any delay in quelling rebellion could allow it to gain momentum, attracting more disaffected individuals and potentially leading to widespread civil war, as seen with Absalom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel - David's Reign"):
* **The Fragility of Unity and the Threat of Division:** Despite David's anointing and successes, the kingdom remains susceptible to internal strife and tribal fragmentation. Sheba's rebellion underscores the constant challenge of maintaining national cohesion, a theme echoed throughout Israel's history.
* **The Necessity of Decisive Leadership:** David's immediate and forceful response to Sheba's threat demonstrates the critical importance of swift, firm leadership in times of crisis to prevent further disintegration of the realm. His command to pursue Sheba without delay, even bypassing Amasa, reveals his understanding of the stakes involved.
* **Loyalty and Power Dynamics within David's Court:** The prominent role of "Joab's men," the "Cherethites, and the Pelethites," and "all the mighty men" highlights the enduring loyalty of David's core military apparatus. It also subtly reinforces Joab's indispensable, albeit often problematic, influence and control over the army, even when David attempts to diminish his authority, as he did by appointing Amasa as commander ([2 Samuel 19:13](/2_samuel/19-13 "2 Samuel 19:13 - David's Promise to Amasa")). This dynamic foreshadows future power struggles and Joab's continued, often ruthless, effectiveness in securing David's throne.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherethites (Hebrew, כְּרֵתִים, _kərēṯîm_):** This term refers to a contingent of David's elite personal guard. Often associated with the island of Crete (Caphtor), these were likely foreign mercenaries, possibly Philistines or Cretans, renowned for their fighting prowess and, crucially, their unwavering personal loyalty to King David, independent of Israelite tribal affiliations. Their inclusion here signifies the deployment of the king's most trusted and formidable forces.
* **Pelethites (Hebrew, פְּלֵתִים, _pəlēṯîm_):** Like the Cherethites, the Pelethites were part of David's personal bodyguard. Their origin is debated, with some suggesting a connection to Philistia or a derivation from a root meaning "to run" or "to escape," implying they were swift messengers or elite runners. Regardless of their precise origin, they functioned as an integral part of David's loyal and professional military core, distinct from the tribal levies of Israel.
* **Mighty men (Hebrew, הַגִּבֹּרִים, _hagibbōrîm_):** This refers to David's celebrated corps of elite warriors, often listed in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Mighty Men"). These were not merely soldiers but individuals of exceptional strength, courage, and skill, known for specific heroic feats. Their presence alongside the Cherethites and Pelethites signifies that the full might and most capable elements of David's army were dispatched, underscoring the gravity of Sheba's rebellion and the king's determination to crush it swiftly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went out after him Joab's men,"**: This phrase indicates that the pursuit of Sheba was initiated by Joab's personal contingent, highlighting his immediate and effective command, even though Amasa had been given the initial commission. "Him" refers to the general direction of the pursuit ordered by David, with Joab effectively taking the lead. This demonstrates Joab's enduring practical authority and the loyalty of his direct followers, a testament to his military leadership.
* **"and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men:"**: This clause enumerates the specific elite units that accompanied Joab's men. The Cherethites and Pelethites, as David's loyal bodyguard, signify the king's direct involvement and the seriousness of the mission. The inclusion of "all the mighty men" indicates that the most formidable and experienced warriors of David's army were mobilized, signifying an overwhelming and decisive force intended to swiftly put down the rebellion.
* **"and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."**: This final clause specifies the objective and direction of the military movement. Their departure from Jerusalem signifies the immediate commencement of the mission from the capital, reinforcing the urgency. The target, "Sheba the son of Bichri," is explicitly named, underscoring that this was a targeted operation against a specific individual leading a clear and present danger to the kingdom's stability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the text lists the specific military contingents—"Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men"—to emphasize the comprehensive and formidable nature of the force dispatched. This listing also serves as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "Joab's men" represent Joab's personal influence and effective command, and the named elite units stand for the full might of David's professional army. The rapid succession of actions ("went out... went out... to pursue") creates a sense of **Urgency** and **Pacing**, conveying the immediate and decisive nature of the response to Sheba's rebellion. This swift action contrasts with Amasa's delay, highlighting the efficiency and determination of the forces now under Joab's de facto command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores the biblical theme of the constant struggle against forces of division and rebellion, both within the kingdom and, by extension, within the human heart. David's swift action to quell Sheba's uprising reflects a divinely ordained responsibility for leaders to maintain order and unity, protecting the people from chaos and fragmentation. The loyalty of David's elite forces, even amidst internal strife, points to the importance of steadfast commitment to righteous authority. Theologically, it reminds us that God often uses human instruments, even flawed ones like Joab, to accomplish His purposes in preserving order and justice. The narrative implicitly teaches that unchecked rebellion, whether against earthly authority or divine principles, leads to destruction and must be confronted decisively.

* [Proverbs 24:21](/proverbs/24-21 "Proverbs 24:21 - Fear the Lord and the King")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The immediate and resolute response to Sheba's rebellion in 2 Samuel 20:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. Just as David understood the imperative of swiftly addressing divisive forces to preserve the kingdom, so too must individuals and communities recognize and confront sources of disunity, whether in families, churches, or broader society. Unchecked dissent, gossip, or self-serving agendas can quickly escalate, tearing apart the fabric of relationships and collective purpose. This passage calls us to cultivate loyalty, not to personal ambition, but to shared values and righteous leadership. It challenges us to be "mighty men and women" of integrity, committed to peace and unity, willing to stand against that which seeks to divide. Furthermore, it reminds us that effective leadership often requires decisive action, even when it is difficult, to protect the common good and maintain order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Shebas" or divisive forces are currently threatening unity in my personal relationships, my church, or my community?**
* **How can I, like David's loyal forces, act decisively and with integrity to promote unity and resist fragmentation?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise decisive leadership, even when it is challenging, to uphold what is right and good?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Cherethites and Pelethites so important to David?**

Answer: The Cherethites and Pelethites were crucial to David because they formed his personal, professional, and highly loyal bodyguard. Unlike the tribal levies, whose allegiance could waver based on regional or familial ties (as seen in the tribal disputes after Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 19:40-43](/2_samuel/19-40 "2 Samuel 19:40-43 - The Dispute Between Israel and Judah")), these foreign mercenaries were bound directly to David. Their loyalty was to the king personally, not to any internal Israelite faction. This made them an exceptionally reliable force for maintaining order, suppressing rebellions, and ensuring David's personal safety and the stability of his throne, especially during times of internal unrest like Sheba's rebellion. They were instruments of the king's direct will, ensuring his authority was upheld without tribal bias.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The swift and decisive action of David's loyal forces in 2 Samuel 20:7 foreshadows the ultimate and perfect King, Jesus Christ, who effectively quells all rebellion against God. Just as David’s kingdom faced internal threats from figures like Sheba, so too does humanity experience the rebellion of sin, death, and Satan against the divine order. Jesus, the true Son of David and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not merely to suppress a local uprising but to utterly defeat the cosmic forces of rebellion. His "mighty men" are not a mercenary guard, but His disciples and the church, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit") to carry out His mission of reconciliation and peace. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who gathers all things into Himself, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility and establishing a unified kingdom of peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the pursuit of Sheba points to Christ's ongoing work to bring all things under His sovereign rule, ensuring that [every knee will bow and every tongue confess](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow") that He is Lord, thereby establishing an eternal kingdom free from all rebellion and division.

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 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

1 Kings 1:38

So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.

2 Samuel 20:23

¶ Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

2 Samuel 15:18

And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

2 Samuel 23:22

These [things] did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:23

He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his guard.

1 Kings 1:44

And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule: