2 Samuel 20:17

And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, [Art] thou Joab? And he answered, I [am he]. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

And when he was come near {H7126} unto her, the woman {H802} said {H559}, Art thou Joab {H3097}? And he answered {H559}, I am he. Then she said {H559} unto him, Hear {H8085} the words {H1697} of thine handmaid {H519}. And he answered {H559}, I do hear {H8085}.

He approached her, and the woman asked, "Are you Yo'av?" He answered, "I am." She said to him, "Listen to what your servant has to say." He answered, "I'm listening."

When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered.

And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

Commentary

2 Samuel 20:17 captures the pivotal moment of a crucial dialogue between Joab, King David's commander, and a wise woman from the city of Abel of Beth-maachah. This exchange sets the stage for a diplomatic resolution to a dangerous siege.

Context of 2 Samuel 20:17

This verse is situated during the rebellion of Sheba, son of Bichri, against King David. After the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion, David's kingdom faced another challenge. Sheba gathered discontented elements of Israel, leading Joab to pursue him to the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. As Joab's forces began to besiege the city, ready to destroy it to apprehend Sheba, an unnamed wise woman took the initiative to approach the formidable commander, demonstrating remarkable courage and foresight to save her people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Wisdom and Diplomacy: The woman's immediate and direct approach to Joab showcases profound wisdom. Instead of succumbing to fear, she strategically opens a channel for negotiation, highlighting the power of words over warfare when applied judiciously. Her actions prevented potential devastation for her city, illustrating the biblical value of seeking peace through thoughtful communication.
  • Leadership and Openness: Joab, despite his reputation as a ruthless military leader, demonstrates a willingness to listen. His response, "I do hear," signifies an openness to dialogue that is essential for effective leadership, even in times of conflict. This moment contrasts with his more aggressive tendencies seen elsewhere in his service to King David.
  • Intercession: The woman acts as an intercessor for her city, placing herself between Joab's army and the city's inhabitants. She speaks on behalf of her community, seeking a peaceful resolution that benefits all. This role of intercession is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, where individuals plead for others.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thine handmaid" (or "your handmaid") used by the woman is a common term of humility and respect when addressing a superior or authority figure. It emphasizes her subordinate position and her plea for Joab's gracious attention, framing her request not as a demand but as a humble petition from a servant. This respectful address likely contributed to Joab's willingness to hear her out.

Practical Application

The encounter in 2 Samuel 20:17 offers timeless lessons for contemporary life:

  • The Power of Dialogue: In conflicts, whether personal or communal, the willingness to initiate and engage in respectful dialogue can avert significant harm and lead to unexpected solutions.
  • Seeking Wisdom: The "wise woman" reminds us that wisdom can emerge from unexpected places and that listening to diverse voices is crucial for sound decision-making, even from those seemingly of lesser status.
  • Courage to Intercede: There are times when it takes courage to speak up for others or to seek a peaceful path when conflict seems inevitable. This verse encourages such intercession for the sake of reconciliation and preservation.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 25:24 (2 votes)

    And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, [upon] me [let this] iniquity [be]: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

  • 2 Samuel 14:12 (2 votes)

    Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak [one] word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.