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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 20:20 "Far be it!" Joab declared. "Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 20:20 - Sheba's Rebellion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Far be it! Joab declared. 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href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Far be it from me!&#8221 Joab replied, &#8220Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joab replied, “Far be it, far be it from me that I would consume or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Joab replied, &#8220Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Joab answered, “Far be it, far be it from me that I would swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joab protested: “Never! I would never devour or demolish!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joab protested: &#8220Never! I do not want to destroy! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Joab answered, "No, no! I'm not trying to wipe you out or destroy your town! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Joab answered, "That's unthinkable! I don't wish to swallow [it] up or destroy [it].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Never!" Joab answered. "I will never ruin or destroy your city! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Joab replied, "No way! No way! I'm not here to devour or destroy! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Far be it!? Joab declared. ?Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Joab answered, "Get serious! I don't want to swallow up or destroy anything!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Joab answered, "Far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joab answered, “Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joab answers and says, “Far be it—far be it from me; I do not swallow up nor destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Joab answereth and saith, 'Far be it -- far be it from me; I do not swallow up nor destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joab will say, Far be it, far be it to me, if I shall swallow up and if I shall destroy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Joab answering said: God forbid, God forbid that I should, I do not throw down, nor destroy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And responding, Joab said: “May this be far, may this be far from me! May I not cast down, and may I not demolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Joab answered, “Not at all, not at all! I do not wish to swallow or batter anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said to her, Far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Yuab answered and he said to her: “I shall not avenge myself and I shall not destroy!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said: 'Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should ruin or destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6299" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Sheba's Rebellion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">“Far be it!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">declared.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">“Far be it</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">from me</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: ’ă·ḇal·la‘ (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">swallow up</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: ’aš·ḥîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">destroy!</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32-33</a></span><br />The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-31</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm">1 Kings 2:44-46</a></span><br />The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. / But King Solomon will be blessed and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.” / Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">1 Samuel 25:33-34</a></span><br />Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. / Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a></span><br />Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">1 Samuel 25:39</a></span><br />On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12-13</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. / As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">1 Samuel 24:15</a></span><br />May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18-19</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.</p><p class="hdg">Far be it</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17</a></b></br> And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: <i>is not this</i> the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-16.htm">Job 21:16</a></b></br> Lo, their good <i>is</i> not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-18.htm">Job 22:18</a></b></br> Yet he filled their houses with good <i>things</i>: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.</p><p class="hdg">that I should</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">2 Samuel 20:10</a></b></br> But Amasa took no heed to the sword that <i>was</i> in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth <i>rib</i>, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a></b></br> He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh <i>them</i> shall have mercy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></b></br> The heart <i>is</i> deceitful above all <i>things</i>, and desperately wicked: who can know it?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-31.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-31.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-17.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-17.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Swallow</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/23-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-5.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-17.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-21.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/job/7-19.htm">Swallow</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">Joab pursues Sheba to Abel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">David's officers</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>“Far be it!” Joab declared.</b><br>Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a central figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. His declaration "Far be it!" is an expression of strong denial or rejection. This phrase indicates Joab's attempt to distance himself from any intention of wrongdoing. In the broader biblical context, Joab is known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, but also for his ruthless actions, such as the killing of Abner and Amasa. His declaration here can be seen as an attempt to maintain his honor and justify his actions in the eyes of those around him. The phrase echoes similar expressions of denial found in other parts of Scripture, such as when Peter denies knowing Jesus (<a href="/matthew/26-74.htm">Matthew 26:74</a>).<p><b>“Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!”</b><br>Joab's statement emphasizes his claim of innocence regarding any intention to cause unnecessary harm or destruction. The terms "swallow up" and "destroy" suggest a complete and utter devastation, which Joab insists is not his purpose. This reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where leaders often had to balance military action with the preservation of their own people and cities. Joab's words can be seen as an attempt to align his actions with the broader goals of David's kingdom, which included maintaining unity and peace. Theologically, this phrase can be connected to the biblical theme of God's desire for preservation and redemption rather than destruction, as seen in passages like <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Ezekiel 18:32</a>, where God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. In this verse, he is responding to a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abel_beth_maacah.htm">Abel Beth Maacah</a></b><br>A city in northern Israel, significant in this context as the place where Sheba, a rebel against King David, sought refuge. The city becomes a focal point of Joab's military campaign.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheba_son_of_bichri.htm">Sheba son of Bichri</a></b><br>A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, declaring that they had no part in David's kingdom. His rebellion is the reason for Joab's presence at Abel Beth Maacah.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_woman_of_abel.htm">Wise Woman of Abel</a></b><br>An unnamed woman who speaks with Joab, negotiating peace and the preservation of her city by offering the head of Sheba.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, whose reign is threatened by Sheba's rebellion. Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the broader account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_wisdom_and_diplomacy.htm">The Power of Wisdom and Diplomacy</a></b><br>The wise woman's intervention highlights the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. Her approach prevents unnecessary destruction and bloodshed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_conflict_resolution.htm">The Role of Leadership in Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>Joab's response to the wise woman shows the responsibility of leaders to listen and consider peaceful solutions, even in the midst of conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Sheba's rebellion against David serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying God-ordained authority, leading to division and destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human rebellion and conflict, God's purposes prevail. The resolution of Sheba's rebellion underscores God's control over the affairs of nations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_conflict_in_divinely_led_monarchy.htm">Why would God permit ongoing conflict and bloodshed among His chosen people throughout 2 Samuel 20 if the monarchy was divinely sanctioned?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_joab_punished_for_killing_amasa.htm">In 2 Samuel 20:8-10, why isn't Joab explicitly reprimanded for the ruthless killing of Amasa, despite earlier prohibitions against murder?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_a_child_for_david's_sin.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:7-14, why would a just God inflict punishment on an innocent child for David's sin, seemingly contradicting Ezekiel 18:20?</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>(20) <span class= "bld">Far be it from me.</span>--Joab strongly disclaims the idea of any further harm to any one than the necessary destruction of the rebel Sheba. Joab's character "is strongly brought out in the transaction. Politic, decided, bold, and unscrupulous, but never needlessly cruel or impulsive, or even revengeful. No life is safe that stands in his way, but from policy he never sacrifices the most insignificant life without a purpose."--<span class= "ital">Speaker's Commentary.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Far be it!”</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלִ֤ילָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lî·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> </span><span class="str2">For, a profaned thing, far be it!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declared.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמַ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Far be it</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלִ֙ילָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lî·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> </span><span class="str2">For, a profaned thing, far be it!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swallow up</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבַלַּ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇal·la‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swallow down, swallow up, engulf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">destroy!</span><br /><span class="heb">אַשְׁחִֽית׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·ḥîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps to go to ruin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 20:20 Joab answered Far be it far be (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:21" /></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>