King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:17 in the King James Version says “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, Hea...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 20:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. They were: or, They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end

19

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

  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 · 16 words
וַיִּקְרַ֣ב1 of 16

“And when he was come near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלֶ֔יהָ2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר3 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה4 of 16

“unto her the woman”

H802

a woman

הַֽאַתָּ֥ה5 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יוֹאָ֖ב6 of 16

“Art thou Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר7 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָ֑נִי8 of 16
H589

i

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר9 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ10 of 16
H0
שֹׁמֵ֥עַ11 of 16

“I do hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דִּבְרֵ֣י12 of 16

“the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ13 of 16

“of thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר14 of 16

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שֹׁמֵ֥עַ15 of 16

“I do hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אָנֹֽכִי׃16 of 16
H595

i

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 20:17 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 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 14:121 Samuel 25:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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