14 Now he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel , even Beth-maacah , and all the Berites ; and they were gathered together and also went after him. 15 They came and besieged e him in Abel Beth-maacah , and they cast up a siege ramp against the city , and it stood by the rampart ; and all the people who were with Joab were wreaking destruction in order to topple the wall . 16 Then a wise woman called from the city , "Hear , hear ! Please tell Joab , 'Come here e that I may speak with you.' " 17 So he approached her, and the woman said , "Are you Joab ?" And he answered , "I am." Then she said to him, "Listen to the words of your maidservant ." And he answered , "I am listening ." 18 Then she spoke , saying , "Formerly they used to say , 'They will surely ask advice at Abel ,' and thus they ended the dispute. 19 "I am of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel . You are seeking to destroy a city , even a mother in Israel . Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord ?" 20 Joab replied , "Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy ! 21 "Such is not the case . But a man from the hill country of Ephraim , Sheba the son of Bichri by name , has lifted up his hand against King David . Only hand him over , and I will depart from the city ." And the woman said to Joab , "Behold , his head will be thrown to you over the wall ." 22 Then the woman wisely came to all the people . And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it to Joab . So he blew the trumpet , and they were dispersed from the city , each to his tent . Joab also returned to the king at Jerusalem .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:14-22
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:14-22
(Read 2 Samuel 20:14-22)
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.