King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:22 in the King James Version says “Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. retired: Heb. were scattered

2 Samuel 20:22 · KJV


Context

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

22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king. retired: Heb. were scattered

23

Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

24

And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: recorder: or, remembrancer


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

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 · 27 words
וַתָּבוֹא֩1 of 27

went

H935

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה2 of 27

Then the woman

H802

a woman

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל4 of 27
H3605

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

הָעָ֜ם5 of 27

unto 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

בְּחָכְמָתָ֗הּ6 of 27

in her wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וַֽיִּכְרְת֞וּ7 of 27

And they cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת8 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹ֨אשׁ9 of 27

the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שֶׁ֤בַע10 of 27

of Sheba

H7652

sheba, the name of a place in palestine, and of two israelites

בֶּן11 of 27

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִּכְרִי֙12 of 27

of Bichri

H1075

bikri, an israelite

וַיַּשְׁלִ֣כוּ13 of 27

and cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶל14 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיוֹאָ֛ב15 of 27

And Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּתְקַע֙16 of 27

And he blew

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשֹּׁפָ֔ר17 of 27

a trumpet

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַיָּפֻ֥צוּ18 of 27

and they retired

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

מֵֽעַל19 of 27
H5921

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

הָעִ֖יר20 of 27

from the city

H5892

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

אִ֣ישׁ21 of 27

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאֹֽהָלָ֑יו22 of 27

to his tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְיוֹאָ֛ב23 of 27

And Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שָׁ֥ב24 of 27

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם25 of 27

to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֶל26 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃27 of 27

unto the king

H4428

a king


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 20:22 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 20:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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