This verse from 2 Samuel 20:17 depicts a critical moment in the story of Joab pursuing the rebel Sheba son of Bichri. Let's break down the meaning:
"He came near to her..." This sets the scene. Joab, the commander of David's army, has cornered Sheba son of Bichri in the city of Abel Beth Maakah. He's approaching a woman on the city wall, suggesting he's looking for someone in authority to negotiate with.
"...and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.”" The woman recognizes Joab. This indicates Joab's fame or notoriety as a powerful military leader. Her asking establishes the context of their interaction. Joab's simple "I am" confirms his identity and signals his authority.
"Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your servant.” He answered, “I’m listening.”" This is the crux of the verse. The woman humbly positions herself as Joab's servant, a gesture of deference. She's seeking an audience with him. Joab's response, "I'm listening," is crucial. It means he's willing to hear what she has to say, suggesting an opening for negotiation and potentially averting a destructive siege of the city.
In essence, this verse is about establishing a connection and creating an opportunity for dialogue. The woman recognizes Joab's power and strategically appeals to him by acknowledging his status. Joab, despite being a hardened military leader, is willing to hear her out, creating a window for diplomacy.
Significance:
It highlights the woman's intelligence and strategic thinking. She understands the power dynamics and uses them to her advantage.
It shows Joab as not just a brute force, but also as someone who can be reasoned with, at least initially. This is important because the following verses will reveal more about his character and motivations.
It sets the stage for the woman's wise counsel, which will ultimately lead to the city's salvation and the end of Sheba's rebellion. The woman's wisdom contrasts with the rebellion of Sheba, suggesting that peace and order are more valuable than disruption and conflict.
This verse from 2 Samuel 20:17 depicts a critical moment in the story of Joab pursuing the rebel Sheba son of Bichri. Let's break down the meaning:
"He came near to her..." This sets the scene. Joab, the commander of David's army, has cornered Sheba son of Bichri in the city of Abel Beth Maakah. He's approaching a woman on the city wall, suggesting he's looking for someone in authority to negotiate with.
"...and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.”" The woman recognizes Joab. This indicates Joab's fame or notoriety as a powerful military leader. Her asking establishes the context of their interaction. Joab's simple "I am" confirms his identity and signals his authority.
"Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your servant.” He answered, “I’m listening.”" This is the crux of the verse. The woman humbly positions herself as Joab's servant, a gesture of deference. She's seeking an audience with him. Joab's response, "I'm listening," is crucial. It means he's willing to hear what she has to say, suggesting an opening for negotiation and potentially averting a destructive siege of the city.
In essence, this verse is about establishing a connection and creating an opportunity for dialogue. The woman recognizes Joab's power and strategically appeals to him by acknowledging his status. Joab, despite being a hardened military leader, is willing to hear her out, creating a window for diplomacy.
Significance:
It highlights the woman's intelligence and strategic thinking. She understands the power dynamics and uses them to her advantage.
It shows Joab as not just a brute force, but also as someone who can be reasoned with, at least initially. This is important because the following verses will reveal more about his character and motivations.
It sets the stage for the woman's wise counsel, which will ultimately lead to the city's salvation and the end of Sheba's rebellion. The woman's wisdom contrasts with the rebellion of Sheba, suggesting that peace and order are more valuable than disruption and conflict.