2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
2 Samuel 20:22 · King James Version
Meaning
After the woman of Abel Beth Maacah decided to take matters into her own hands by seeking out all the people in her wisdom, they eventually located Sheba, the rebel leader. They swiftly cut off his head, symbolizing the end of his rebellion. The act was decisive and final, as they threw Sheba's head to Joab, the commander of King David's forces. Joab then signaled victory by blowing a trumpet, signaling the retreat of his troops from the city. Each man returned to his tent in peace, ending the conflict. Joab returned to Jerusalem, reporting the successful outcome to King David. This verse highlights the consequences of Sheba's actions and the decisive actions taken to maintain peace and order in the kingdom. It also showcases the wisdom and leadership of the woman who played a pivotal role in resolving the conflict.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Samuel 20:22, the woman's actions and the subsequent events serve as a testament to the wisdom of a lesser-known figure in the Bible. The woman's wisdom led her to take decisive action, appealing to the people to cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri. This act not only symbolized the end of a rebellion but also demonstrated the consequences of going against the established order. The mention of Joab blowing a trumpet and the people retreating to their tents signifies the end of the conflict with a clear signal of peace and order being restored. Joab's return to Jerusalem to report to the king further emphasizes the importance of unity under leadership in times of turmoil. This passage serves as a reminder of the repercussions of defiance and the need for wisdom and decisive action in maintaining peace and order.
2 Samuel 20:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
World English Bible
Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
Douay-Rheims
So she went to all the people, and spoke to them wisely: and they cut off the head of Seba the son of Bochri, and cast it out to Joab. And he sounded the trumpet, and they departed from the city, every one to their home: and Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the woman went vnto all the people with her wisedome, and they cut off the head of Sheba the sonne of Bichri, and cast it to Ioab: the he blewe the trumpet, and they retired from the citie, euery man to his tent: and Ioab returned to Ierusalem vnto the King.