King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 20:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 20:7 in the King James Version says “And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.”

2 Samuel 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. Assemble: Heb. Call

6

And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. escape: Heb. deliver himself from our eyes

7

And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

8

When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

9

And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

Read 2 Samuel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

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 · 15 words
וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙1 of 15

“And there went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י2 of 15

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י3 of 15
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)

יוֹאָ֔ב4 of 15

“him Joab's”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְהַכְּרֵתִ֥י5 of 15

“and the Cherethites”

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

וְהַפְּלֵתִ֖י6 of 15

“and the Pelethites”

H6432

a courier (collectively) or official messenger

וְכָל7 of 15
H3605

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

הַגִּבֹּרִ֑ים8 of 15

“and all the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙9 of 15

“And there went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם10 of 15

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִרְדֹּ֕ף11 of 15

“to pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י12 of 15

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שֶׁ֥בַע13 of 15

“Sheba”

H7652

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

בֶּן14 of 15

“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

בִּכְרִֽי׃15 of 15

“of Bichri”

H1075

bikri, an israelite

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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:181 Kings 1:382 Samuel 15:182 Samuel 20:232 Samuel 8:162 Samuel 23:22-23

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 20 →

Test Your Knowledge

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