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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/20-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/10_2Sa_20_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 20:6 - Sheba's Rebellion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And David said to Abishai, Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. 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Take your master&#8217s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then David said to Abishai, “Sheba son of Bicri is going to hurt us more than Absalom did. Quick, take my troops and chase after him before he gets into a fortified town where we can’t reach him.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities, and escape us.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> And David said to Abishai, &#8220Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord&#8217s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and deliver himself from our sight.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And David said to Abishai [his nephew], “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find fortified cities for himself and escape from our sight.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So David said to Abishai, “Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. Take your lord’s soldiers and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So David said to Abishai, &#8220Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. Take your lord&#8217s soldiers and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said to Abishai, Now will 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 fortified cities, and escape out of our sight. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So David said to Abishai, "Sheba will hurt us more than Absalom ever did. Take my best soldiers and go after him. We don't want him to take over any walled cities and get away from us." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 out of our sight. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David then told Abishai, "Sheba, son of Bichri, will do us more harm than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or he will find some fortified cities and take the best ones for himself." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> So the king said to Abishai, "Sheba will give us more trouble than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or else he may occupy some fortified towns and escape from us." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> So David told Abishai, "Now Bichri's son Sheba is about to do more damage than did Absalom. So take my personal guards and go after them. Otherwise, he'll run to one of the fortified cities and escape from us." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And David said to Abishai, ?Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord?s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba son of Bicri will cause greater disaster for us than Absalom did! Take your lord's servants and pursue him. Otherwise he will secure fortified cities for himself and get away from us." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Now then, take your lord?s servants with you and pursue after him, otherwise he will get himself to fortified cities and escape from us." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 him, lest he get for himself fortified cities, and escape us. <a href="/web/2_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue after him, lest he get himself fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and David says to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri does evil to us more than Absalom; you, take the servants of your lord, and pursue after him, lest he has found fortified cities for himself, and delivered himself [from] our eye.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and David saith unto Abishai, 'Now doth Sheba son of Bichri do evil to us more than Absalom; thou, take the servants of thy lord, and pursue after him, lest he have found for himself fenced cities, and delivered himself from our eye.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will say to Abishai, Now Sheba son of Bichri will do evil to us above Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants and go down after him, lest finding to himself fortified cities and he shadow our eyes.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David said to Abisai: Now will Seba the son of Bochri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou therefore the servants of thy lord, and pursue after him, lest he find fenced cities, and escape us. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And David said to Abishai: “Now Sheba, the son of Bichri, will afflict us more so than Absalom did. Therefore, take the servants of your lord, and pursue him, otherwise he may find fortified cities, and escape from us.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai: “Sheba, son of Bichri, may now do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find fortified cities and take shelter while we look on.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities for himself, and escape from us.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David said to Joab, Now Shamoa the son of Bichri will do us more harm than did Absalom; take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he find him fortified cities, and stay in them and incite a revolt against us. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David said to Yuab: “Now Shamu son of Bakri does us more evil than Abishlum, but take with you some Servants of your Master and go after him, lest he will find for himself fortressed cities and he remains in them, and he will pluck out our eyes!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said to Abishai: 'Now will 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 fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David said to Amessai, Now shall Sabee the son of Bochori do us more harm than Abessalom: now then take thou with thee the servants of thy lord, and follow after him, lest he find for himself strong cities, so will he blind our eyes. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/20-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6120" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Sheba's Rebellion</a> …5So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. 6<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">And David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: ’ă·ḇî·šay (N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">Abishai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">“Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/7652.htm" title="7652: še·ḇa‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Sheba -- two Israelites. The same as sheba'; seven; Sheba, the name of a place in Palestine, and of two Israelites.">Sheba</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1075.htm" title="1075: biḵ·rî (N-proper-ms) -- Youthful, a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc. From bakar; youthful; Bikri, an Israelite.">of Bichri</a> <a href="/hebrew/3415.htm" title="3415: yê·ra‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To quiver. A primitive root; properly, to be broken up i.e. to fear.">will do us more harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qaḥ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">Take</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">your lord’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: ū·rə·ḏōp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">and pursue him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">he will find</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1219.htm" title="1219: bə·ṣu·rō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose. A primitive root; to clip off; specifically to gather grapes; also to be isolated.">fortified</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rîm (N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: wə·hiṣ·ṣîl (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">and elude</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·nū (N-csc:: 1cp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">us.”</a> 7So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">2 Samuel 17:11-12</a> Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. / Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1-11</a> Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. / The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. / (Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, “Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?” ... <a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-10</a> At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a> And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a> And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a> And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a> When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30</a> (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2</a> He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a> Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. <a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a> And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21-22</a> Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">2 Samuel 17:25</a> Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">2 Samuel 23:18-19</a> Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. <a href="/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20-21</a> Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take you your lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.Abishai<a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a> And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.<a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30,39</a> So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle… <a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">2 Samuel 10:9,10,14</a> When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: … do us<a href="/2_samuel/19-7.htm">2 Samuel 19:7</a> Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.thy lord's<a href="/2_samuel/11-11.htm">2 Samuel 11:11</a> And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.<a href="/1_kings/1-33.htm">1 Kings 1:33</a> The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-10.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-2.htm">Bichri</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/joshua/19-35.htm">Fenced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-18.htm">Fortified</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-17.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-2.htm">Sheba</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-38.htm">Sight</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-6.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Bichri</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-7.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-40.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-7.htm">Fenced</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-7.htm">Fortified</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Sheba</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Sight</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 20</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel</a> 3. <a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life</a> 4. <a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab</a> 14. <a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">Joab pursues Sheba to Abel</a> 16. <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head</a> 23. <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">David's officers</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And David said to Abishai David, the second king of Israel, is speaking to Abishai, one of his trusted military leaders and the brother of Joab. Abishai is known for his loyalty and bravery, often serving as a key figure in David's military campaigns. This interaction highlights the trust David places in his commanders, reflecting the importance of strong leadership and delegation in times of crisis.Now Sheba the son of Bichri Sheba is identified as the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. The tribe of Benjamin had historical tensions with the tribe of Judah, from which David hailed. This tension is rooted in the earlier division of the kingdom under Saul, a Benjamite, and David's subsequent rise to power. Sheba's rebellion can be seen as an extension of these tribal conflicts, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for unity within Israel.will do us more harm than Absalom Absalom, David's son, had previously led a significant rebellion against David, which nearly cost him his throne. By comparing Sheba to Absalom, David acknowledges the serious threat Sheba poses. This comparison underscores the potential for internal strife to destabilize the kingdom, a recurring theme in Israel's history. It also highlights the personal and political challenges David faced during his reign.Take your lord’s servants and pursue him David instructs Abishai to take action against Sheba by mobilizing the king's loyal forces. This directive reflects the urgency and seriousness of the threat. The term "lord's servants" indicates the royal troops, emphasizing the need for a swift and decisive military response to prevent further rebellion. This phrase also illustrates the importance of loyalty and obedience in the service of the king.or he will find fortified cities and elude us David is concerned that if Sheba reaches fortified cities, he will be able to resist capture and continue his rebellion. Fortified cities were strategically important in ancient warfare, providing protection and a base for operations. This concern highlights the tactical considerations of ancient military campaigns and the need for quick action to prevent an enemy from gaining a stronghold. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking refuge and the challenges of overcoming entrenched opposition.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> David's nephew and a loyal military commander, tasked with pursuing Sheba. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sheba_son_of_bichri.htm">Sheba son of Bichri</a> A Benjamite who instigates a rebellion against King David, threatening the unity of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, whose previous rebellion against David serves as a backdrop for the current crisis. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fortified_cities.htm">Fortified Cities</a> Strategic locations that Sheba might use to strengthen his rebellion and evade capture.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership_and_unity.htm">The Importance of Leadership and Unity</a> David's quick response to Sheba's rebellion highlights the need for decisive leadership to maintain unity. In our lives, we should strive to support and pray for our leaders, recognizing the importance of unity in our communities and churches. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_and_addressing_threats.htm">Recognizing and Addressing Threats</a> Just as David recognized the threat Sheba posed, we must be vigilant in identifying and addressing spiritual and relational threats in our lives. This requires discernment and action to prevent division and harm. <a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_obedience.htm">Loyalty and Obedience</a> Abishai's willingness to follow David's command demonstrates the value of loyalty and obedience to God-given authority. We should cultivate a spirit of loyalty to God and His appointed leaders, trusting in His sovereign plan. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a> Sheba's actions remind us of the destructive nature of rebellion against God's established order. We should examine our hearts for any rebellious tendencies and seek to align ourselves with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20</a> <a href="/q/ark_to_jerusalem__before_or_after_philistines.htm">When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)</a> <a href="/q/how_did_absalom_sway_israel_against_david.htm">How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) David said to Abishai.--David is determined to pass over Joab, and, therefore, when Amasa fails in this crisis, requiring immediate action, he summons Abishai, and puts him in command of such forces as were at hand in Jerusalem, and gives him orders for the rapid pursuit of Sheba. The clause "escape us" is difficult, and doubtful in the original, and the English follows the Vulg. Others translate "pluck out our eye," i.e., do us great harm; others as the LXX., "over shadow our eye," meaning either cause us anxiety, or hide where we cannot find him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - David said to Abishai. David thus gives the command to the younger brother, and we find in ver. 7 that even "Joab's men," his own special troop, were placed under Abishai's command. There seems always to have been a firm friendship between the brothers, and at first Joab acquiesces. The king was, in fact, in so grim a humour that he probably felt that he had better keep with his men, who would protect him, instead of remaining at Jerusalem, where he would be in David's power. When Amasa joined them, Abishai would have to resign to him the command; and David probably expected that, after a successful campaign, and with the aid of the men of Judah, who were rebels like himself, Amasa would be able to crush Joab. But Joab did not intend to wait for this; and immediately on meeting his rival he murders him, and assumes the command. Thy lord's servants. These are the men enumerated in ver. 7, and formed David's usual military attendants. When war broke out, they were reinforced by a levy of the people. And escape us. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. It may signify, "and withdraw himself from our eyes," which gives the sense of the Authorized Version, and is supported by the Vulgate. The Septuagint renders, "and overshadow our eyes," which might have the same meaning, but, as others think, may signify, "and cause us anxiety." Many modern commentators render, "and pluck out our eye;" that is, do us painful damage. Either this or the Authorized Version gives a good sense, and, anyhow, rapid action was necessary, or Sheba's revolt might become dangerous. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/20-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Abishai, אֲבִישַׁ֔י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name “Now עַתָּ֗ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time Sheba שֶׁ֥בַע (še·ḇa‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7652.htm">Strong's 7652: </a> Sheba -- two Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Bichri בִּכְרִ֖י (biḵ·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1075.htm">Strong's 1075: </a> Bichri -- 'youthful', a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc will do us more harm יֵ֧רַֽע (yê·ra‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3415.htm">Strong's 3415: </a> To be broken up, to fear than מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Absalom. אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites Take קַ֞ח (qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take your lord’s אֲדֹנֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller servants עַבְדֵ֤י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant and pursue him, וּרְדֹ֣ף (ū·rə·ḏōp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute or פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest he will secure מָ֥צָא (mā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present fortified בְּצֻר֖וֹת (bə·ṣu·rō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1219.htm">Strong's 1219: </a> To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose cities עָרִ֥ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and elude וְהִצִּ֥יל (wə·hiṣ·ṣîl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver us.? עֵינֵֽנוּ׃ (‘ê·nê·nū) Noun - common singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-6.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 20:6 David said to Abishai Now will Sheba (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>