King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:15 in the King James Version says “And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the tre...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 20:15 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, 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.

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 · 20 words
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ1 of 20

“And they came”

H935

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

וַיָּצֻ֣רוּ2 of 20

“and besieged”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עָלָ֗יו3 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּאָבֵ֙לָה֙4 of 20

“him in Abel”

H59

abel, the name of two places in palestine

בֵּ֣ית5 of 20
H0
הַֽמַּעֲכָ֔ה6 of 20

“of Bethmaachah”

H1038

beth-maakah, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁפְּכ֤וּ7 of 20

“and they cast up”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

סֹֽלְלָה֙8 of 20

“a bank”

H5550

a military mound, i.e., rampart of besiegers

אֶל9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֔יר10 of 20

“against the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד11 of 20

“and it stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּחֵ֑ל12 of 20

“in the trench”

H2426

an army; also (by analogy,) an intrenchment

וְכָל13 of 20
H3605

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

הָעָם֙14 of 20

“and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֶת16 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יוֹאָ֔ב17 of 20

“that were with Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

מַשְׁחִיתִ֖ם18 of 20

“battered”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

לְהַפִּ֥יל19 of 20

“to throw it down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַֽחוֹמָֽה׃20 of 20

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

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 20:15 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 20:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 19:32Jeremiah 32:241 Kings 15:20Isaiah 37:33Ezekiel 4:2Jeremiah 33:4

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 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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