King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:19 in the King James Version says “I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why w...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

2 Samuel 20:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. by name: Heb. by his name

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 · 14 words
אָֽנֹכִ֕י1 of 14
H595

i

שְׁלֻמֵ֖י2 of 14

“I am one of them that are peaceable”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

אֱמוּנֵ֣י3 of 14

“and faithful”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 14

“in Israel”

H3478

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

אַתָּ֣ה5 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מְבַקֵּ֗שׁ6 of 14

“thou seekest”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לְהָמִ֨ית7 of 14

“to destroy”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עִ֤יר8 of 14

“a city”

H5892

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

וְאֵם֙9 of 14

“and a mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 14

“in Israel”

H3478

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

לָ֥מָּה11 of 14
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תְבַלַּ֖ע12 of 14

“why wilt thou swallow up”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת13 of 14

“the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 20:19 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 20:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 26:192 Samuel 21:31 Timothy 2:22 Samuel 17:16Jeremiah 51:34Jeremiah 51:44

Test Your Knowledge

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

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