2 Samuel 20:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:14-22

We have here the conclusion of Sheba's attempt. I. The rebel, when he had rambled over all the tribes of Israel, and found them not so willing, upon second thoughts, to follow him, as they had been upon a sudden provocation to desert David (having only picked up a few like himself, that sided with him), at length entered Abel-Beth-maacah, a strong city in the north, in the lot of Naphtali, where we find it placed, 2 Kgs. 15:29. Here he took shelter, whether by force or with consent does not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom ,.... Went from the wall of the city into it, and convened the principal inhabitants together, and made so wise a speech to them, and represented things in such a light, and so prudently conducted, that they unanimously agreed to her motion: and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab ; whose face Joab knew full well, and was satisfied it was his head that was thrown over: and he blew a trumpet ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:14-26

The causes and remedies of religious strife. The facts are: 1 . Joab and his forces, pursuing Sheba till they came upon him in the city of Abel, lay siege to it. 2 . A wise woman of the city remonstrates with Joab for attacking the city, and refers to the fact that when Sheba with his armed followers threw themselves into the city, the people felt sure that when the pursuing foes came up they would open negotiations with the authorities, and so bring the conflict to an end. 3 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:15-22

( ABEL - BETH - MAACAH .) A peacemaker. "Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear! hear?" ( 2 Samuel 20:16 ). 1 . Hard pressed by the forces of Joab, Sheba threw himself into the fortified city of Abel-beth-Maachah (in the northwest extremity of Palestine). The feelings of its inhabitants toward him are not stated. But Joab soon appeared; and, without entering into any negotiations with them, made preparations for attack. "Taking advantage of an oblong knoll of natural... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:22

In her wisdom; that is, with her wise counsel. The story in Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 probably refers to this narrative. They retired; Hebrew, they dispersed themselves each to his tent; that is, his home. This refers to Amasa's levies, who were glad to depart, and whom Joab did not want at Jerusalem. He took thither with him all those mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:7 . Incensed as David must have been at the murder of Amasa following so quickly upon that of Absalom, yet that very act proved... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:22

2 Samuel 20:22. The woman went unto the people in her wisdom Prudently treated with them about it, representing to them the certainty and nearness of their ruin, if they did not speedily comply with her desires, and certain deliverance if they did. They immediately complied, and cut off the head of Sheba. He blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city Raised the siege and went home. It appears by this that it was usual to discharge them, as well as call them together, by the sound of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-26

Sheba’s revolt (20:1-26)With virtually the whole nation in a state of unrest, Sheba, a Benjaminite, seized the opportunity to try to lead the northern tribes to break away from David (20:1-2). Being anxious to re-establish his kingdom in Jerusalem, David did not leave the city but sent his new commander-in-chief Amasa to assemble the army and pursue Sheba (3-4).When Amasa was slow in assembling the army, David sent off his private army, the fighting force that had been with him since the days... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 20:22

all. Some codices, with three early printed editions, omit "all". her wisdom. Compare Ecclesiastes 9:14 , Ecclesiastes 9:15 . tent . Compare 2 Samuel 19:8 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 20:1-22

The rebellion of Sheba 20:1-22"The account of Sheba’s rebellion against David serves as a counterpoise to the story of Absalom’s conspiracy (2 Samuel 15:1-12) in chapters 15-20, which constitute the major part of the narrative that comprises chapters 13-20 (more precisely, 2 Samuel 13:1 to 2 Samuel 20:22), the longest definable literary section of the Court History of David (chs. 9-20 . . .)." [Note: Youngblood, p. 1042.] Not all the people of Israel followed David. Some lined up behind Sheba,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:1-26

The Rebellion of ShebaSheba takes advantage of the jealousy of the men of Israel to begin a rebellion, which, but for the prompt action of Joab, might have resulted in a disruption between Israel and Judah. During this expedition Amasa is murdered by Joab. The chapter concludes with a list of David’s officers.This chapter evidently continues the narrative of the concluding vv. of the preceding. During the period of the Judges, Ephraim had been the leading tribe and they could not brook to see... read more

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