King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:14 in the King James Version says “And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 20:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

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.

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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

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of ongoing challenges to authority?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֞ר1 of 13

“And he went”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּכָל2 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שִׁבְטֵ֣י3 of 13

“through all the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָבֵ֛לָה5 of 13

“unto Abel”

H59

abel, the name of two places in palestine

וּבֵ֥ית6 of 13
H0
מַֽעֲכָ֖ה7 of 13

“and to Bethmaachah”

H1038

beth-maakah, a place in palestine

וְכָל8 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַבֵּרִ֑ים9 of 13

“and all the Berites”

H1276

(only in the plural and with the article) the berites, a place in palestine

וַיִּקָּ֣לֵה֔וּ10 of 13
H7035

to assemble

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ11 of 13

“and went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַף12 of 13
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃13 of 13

“also after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 15:29Numbers 21:161 Kings 15:20Joshua 18:252 Chronicles 16:4

Places in This Verse

Abel-beth-maacahSettlement · Modern: Tel Abel Beth Maacah · 33.26°N, 35.58°E6 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 20 →

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