CINXE.COM

<!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 20:21 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/20-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/10_2Sa_20_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 20:21 - Sheba's Rebellion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/20-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/20-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm" title="2 Samuel 20:20">◄</a> 2 Samuel 20:21 <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm" title="2 Samuel 20:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a> That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I&#8217ll withdraw from the city.&#8221 The woman said to Joab, &#8220His head will be thrown to you from the wall.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> That’s not my purpose. All I want is a man named Sheba son of Bicri from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David. If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.” “All right,” the woman replied, “we will throw his head over the wall to you.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> That is not so. But a man from the mountains of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him only, and I will depart from the city.” So the woman said to Joab, “Watch, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has raised his hand against King David. Only turn him over, and I will depart from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against King David. Only hand him over, and I will depart from the city.&#8221 And the woman said to Joab, &#8220Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against King David. Only hand him over, and I will depart from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Such is not the case. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give him over alone, and I will go from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand [in rebellion] against King David. Only hand him over, and I will leave the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> That is not the case. There is a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, who has rebelled against King David. Deliver this one man, and I will withdraw from the city.” The woman replied to Joab, “Watch! His head will be thrown over the wall to you.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> That is not my intention. There is a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, who has rebelled against King David. Deliver this one man, and I will withdraw from the city.&#8221 The woman replied to Joab, &#8220All right. His head will be thrown over the wall to you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> The matter is not so: but a man of the hill-country of 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. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> That's not it at all. There's a man in your town from the hill country of Ephraim. His name is Sheba, and he is the leader of a rebellion against King David. Turn him over to me, and we will leave your town alone." The woman told Joab, "We will throw his head over the wall." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> The matter is not so: but a man of the hill country of 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. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That isn't the case. A man from the mountains of Ephraim by the name of Sheba, son of Bichri, has rebelled against King David. Give him to me, and I'll withdraw from the city." "That's fine," the woman told Joab. "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> That is not our plan. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, who is from the hill country of Ephraim, started a rebellion against King David. Hand over this one man, and I will withdraw from the city." "We will throw his head over the wall to you," she said. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> That's a lie! But there is a man from the Ephraim hill country—he's known as Bichri's son Sheba—who has rebelled against King David. Turn him over and I'll withdraw from the city!" So the woman replied, "Watch this! His head will be thrown to you over the city wall." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> That's not the way things are. There is a man from the hill country of Ephraim named Sheba son of Bicri. He has rebelled against King David. Give me just this one man, and I will leave the city." The woman said to Joab, "This very minute his head will be thrown over the wall to you!" <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> That is not the case. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bikri, has rebelled against king David. Give up him alone and I will withdraw from the city." Then the woman said to Joab, "Look, his head will be thrown to you from the wall." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 to Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. <a href="/web/2_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> The matter is not so. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David. Just deliver him, and I will depart from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The matter [is] not so; for a man of the hill-country of Ephraim—Sheba son of Bichri [is] his name—has lifted up his hand against the king, against David; give him up by himself, and I go away from the city.” And the woman says to Joab, “Behold, his head is cast to you over the wall.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The matter is not so; for a man of the hill-country of Ephraim -- Sheba son of Bichri his name -- hath lifted up his hand against the king, against David; give ye up him by himself, and I go away from the city.' And the woman saith unto Joab, 'Lo, his head is cast unto thee over the wall.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Not thus the word; for a man from mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri, his name, lifted up his hand against the king, against David: ye shall give him only, and I will go from the city. And the woman will say to Joab, Behold, his head being cast to thee behind the wall.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The matter is not so, but a man of mount Ephraim, Seba the son of Bochri by name, hath lifted up his hand against king David: deliver him only, and we will depart from the city. And the woman said to Joab: Behold his head shall be thrown to thee from the wall. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The matter is not as you said. Rather, a man from mount Ephraim, Sheba, the son of Bichri, by name, has lifted up his hand against king David. Deliver him alone, and we will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown down to you from the wall.’ <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> That is not the case at all. A man from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name is Sheba, son of Bichri, has rebelled against King David. Give him up, just him, and I will withdraw from the city.” Then the woman said to Joab, “His head shall be thrown to you across the wall.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> That is not the case! But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David; give him up alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “His head shall be thrown over the wall to you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The matter is not so; but a man of mount Ephraim, Shamoa, the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against King David; deliver him alive to me and I will depart from the city. And the woman said to Joab, Now his head shall be thrown to you over the wall. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> It is not so, but one man from the Mount of Aphrim, Shamu, son of Bakri is his name, has stretched out his hands against King David. Give him only to me and I shall remove myself from the city!” The woman said to Yuab: “Now his head will be thrown to you from the wall!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The matter is not so; but a man of the hill-country of 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.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Is not the case thus, that a man of mount Ephraim, Sabee, son of Bochori by name, has even lifted up his hand against king David? Give him only to me, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said to Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/20-21.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=6306" 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> …20“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 21<a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">That is</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">the case.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">But</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</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.).">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/2022.htm" title="2022: mê·har (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">from the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nā·śā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">has lifted</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">up his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: bam·me·leḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">against the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: bə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">against David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tə·nū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Deliver</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·dōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. ">alone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·’ê·lə·ḵāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and I will depart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">the woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">“his head</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: muš·lāḵ (V-Hofal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">will be thrown</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: bə·‘aḏ (Prep) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·w·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall.”</a> 22Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.…<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="/judges/9-53.htm">Judges 9:53</a> But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. <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="/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/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a> When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">2 Samuel 18:14-15</a> But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree. / And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8-9</a> Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” / But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” <a href="/2_kings/9-33.htm">2 Kings 9:33</a> “Throw her down!” yelled Jehu. So they threw her down, and her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses as they trampled her underfoot. <a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10-13</a> But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” / So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">2 Samuel 19:21-22</a> But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” <a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12-13</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18-19</a> So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a> “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said to Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.a man<a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1</a> And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.<a href="/judges/2-9.htm">Judges 2:9</a> And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.<a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a> And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.by name [heb] by his name <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">2 Samuel 23:18</a> And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.<a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.<a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a> And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?his head<a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">2 Samuel 17:2,3</a> And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: … <a href="/2_kings/10-7.htm">2 Kings 10:7</a> And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-13.htm">Bichri</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Country</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-16.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-28.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Sheba</a> <a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">Bichri</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">Country</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-26.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-6.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-23.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-20.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-6.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">Sheba</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-6.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-30.htm">Wall</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>That is not the case. This phrase indicates a clarification or correction of a misunderstanding. In the context of <a href="/2_samuel/20.htm">2 Samuel 20</a>, Joab, David's military commander, is addressing the people of the city of Abel Beth Maacah. The situation involves a rebellion led by Sheba, and Joab is making it clear that his intent is not to destroy the city but to deal with the rebel.But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, Sheba is identified as the instigator of the rebellion against King David. He is described as a "worthless man" earlier in the chapter, indicating his character and the threat he poses. His lineage, "son of Bichri," ties him to the tribe of Benjamin, which had historical tensions with the tribe of Judah, David's tribe.from the hill country of Ephraim, This geographical reference is significant as it situates Sheba within the northern tribes of Israel. Ephraim was a powerful tribe and often seen as a leader among the northern tribes. This location underscores the division between the northern and southern tribes, a recurring theme in Israel's history.has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. "Lifting up his hand" is a phrase denoting rebellion or insurrection. Sheba's actions are a direct challenge to David's authority as king. This rebellion follows the earlier revolt of Absalom, David's son, highlighting the ongoing instability in David's reign and the challenges to his kingship.Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” Joab's demand is straightforward: hand over Sheba, and the city will be spared. This reflects a common practice in ancient warfare where a single individual could be sacrificed to save a larger group. It also shows Joab's strategic thinking, focusing on the root of the problem rather than unnecessary destruction.“Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” The wise woman's response demonstrates her quick thinking and leadership. By agreeing to Joab's terms, she acts to protect her city. The act of throwing Sheba's head over the wall is a graphic but effective way to show compliance and resolve the conflict. This incident highlights the role of women in biblical narratives as peacemakers and problem solvers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/sheba_son_of_bichri.htm">Sheba son of Bichri</a> A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, causing division in Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of David's army, tasked with quelling Sheba's rebellion. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wise_woman_of_abel.htm">The Wise Woman of Abel</a> A woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah who negotiates with Joab to save her city. 4. <a href="/topical/a/abel_beth_maacah.htm">Abel Beth Maacah</a> A fortified city in northern Israel where Sheba sought refuge. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> The anointed king of Israel, against whom Sheba rebelled.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_wisdom_and_negotiation.htm">The Power of Wisdom and Negotiation</a> The wise woman of Abel demonstrates how wisdom and negotiation can prevent unnecessary violence and save lives. In our lives, we should seek peaceful resolutions and use wisdom to address conflicts. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a> Sheba's rebellion against King David serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying God-ordained authority. We should respect and uphold the authorities God has placed in our lives, understanding the potential consequences of rebellion. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a> The wise woman's pivotal role in resolving the conflict highlights the significant impact women can have in God's plan. We should recognize and value the contributions of women in our communities and churches. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a> Joab's demand for Sheba alone reflects a pursuit of justice rather than indiscriminate punishment. In our dealings, we should strive for justice that is fair and targeted, avoiding collateral damage.<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/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> <a href="/q/how_likely_was_israel_to_follow_sheba.htm">In 2 Samuel 20:1, how likely is it that Israel would rapidly follow Sheba's revolt so soon after Absalom's rebellion?</a> <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> <a href="/q/how_does_the_wise_woman_show_justice.htm">In 2 Samuel 20:16-22, how does the 'wise woman's' negotiation for Sheba's head align with the Bible's broader emphasis on justice and mercy?</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>(21) Mount Ephraim.--The range of hills so called because much of it lay in the tribe of Ephraim, although extending south into Benjamin.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - The matter is not so. It seems from this verse that the citizens did not quite understand why Joab attacked them. Sheba had thrown himself into the city. and Joab, in hot pursuit, finding the gate closed - a measure of ordinary precaution upon the approach of a body of men - at once blockaded the town, and began to cast up the mount. At all events, they were ready to come to terms now, and would probably have given up Sheba at first, if Joab had demanded his surrender. A man of Mount Ephraim. Sheba was a Benjamite, but the hills of Ephraim extended into the territory of Benjamin, and retained their name (see <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1</a>). Over the wall; Hebrew, through the wall, being the word rendered "at" a window in <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8</a>. It probably means through one of the apertures made for the archers. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/20-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>That [is] הַדָּבָ֗ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the case. כֵ֣ן (ḵên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus But כִּ֡י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a man אִישׁ֩ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person named שְׁמ֗וֹ (šə·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Sheba שֶׁ֧בַע (še·ḇa‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7652.htm">Strong's 7652: </a> Sheba -- two Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Bichri, בִּכְרִ֣י (biḵ·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1075.htm">Strong's 1075: </a> Bichri -- 'youthful', a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc from the hill country מֵהַ֨ר (mê·har) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim, אֶפְרַ֜יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory has lifted נָשָׂ֤א (nā·śā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take up his hand יָדוֹ֙ (yā·ḏōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand against the king, בַּמֶּ֣לֶךְ (bam·me·leḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king against David. בְּדָוִ֔ד (bə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse Deliver תְּנֽוּ־ (tə·nū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set him אֹת֣וֹ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case alone, לְבַדּ֔וֹ (lə·ḇad·dōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of and I will depart וְאֵלְכָ֖ה (wə·’ê·lə·ḵāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk from מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the city.? הָעִ֑יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement ?Look,? הִנֵּ֥ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! the woman הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female replied, וַתֹּ֤אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ?his head רֹאשׁ֛וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head will be thrown מֻשְׁלָ֥ךְ (muš·lāḵ) Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> To throw out, down, away to you אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to over בְּעַ֥ד (bə·‘aḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1157.htm">Strong's 1157: </a> In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for the wall.? הַחוֹמָֽה׃ (ha·ḥō·w·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> A wall of protection <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/20-21.htm">2 Samuel 20:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-21.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 20:21 The matter is not so: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:22" /></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>