King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:18 in the King James Version says “Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 20:18 · KJV

Context

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?

20

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 11 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 11

“Then she spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵאמֹ֔ר2 of 11

“Then she spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְדַבְּר֤וּ3 of 11

“They were wont”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְדַבְּר֤וּ4 of 11

“They were wont”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙5 of 11

“in old time”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 11

“Then she spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְשָֽׁאֲל֛וּ7 of 11

“They shall surely”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

יְשָֽׁאֲל֛וּ8 of 11

“They shall surely”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בְּאָבֵ֖ל9 of 11

“counsel at Abel”

H59

abel, the name of two places in palestine

וְכֵ֥ן10 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הֵתַֽמּוּ׃11 of 11

“and so they ended”

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

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 20:18 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 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 20:10-11

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

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