King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 20:13 Mean?
“When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.”
2 Samuel 20:13 · KJV
Context
11
And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
12
And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
13
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
14
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together , and went also after him.
15
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. in the trench: or, against the outmost wall battered: Heb. marred to throw down
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Sheba's Rebellion, emphasizing ongoing challenges to authority. Sheba's rebellion demonstrates that David's troubles continue despite Absalom's defeat. The wise woman's intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed. Theological themes include ongoing resistance to God's appointed leader, the value of wisdom in crisis resolution, the danger of divisive rhetoric, and God's provision of unexpected solutions through unlikely people.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Sheba's Rebellion, emphasizing ongoing challenges to authority. Sheba's rebellion demonstrates that David's troubles continue despite Absalom's defeat. The wise woman's intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed. Theological themes include ongoing resistance to God's appointed leader, the value of wisdom in crisis resolution, the danger of divisive rhetoric, and God's provision of unexpected solutions through unlikely people.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 20 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding ongoing challenges to authority provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Reflection Questions
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of ongoing challenges to authority?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsכַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר1 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַֽמְסִלָּ֑ה4 of 14
“out of the highway”
H4546a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
עָבַ֤ר5 of 14
“went on”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
כָּל6 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִישׁ֙7 of 14
“all the people”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י8 of 14
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לִרְדֹּ֕ף10 of 14
“to pursue”
H7291to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י11 of 14
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
בֶּן13 of 14
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Samuel 20:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Samuel 20:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge