2 samuel 20:19 - I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up Yahweh’s inheritance?”
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What does "2 samuel 20:19" mean?
This verse, spoken by a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maakah, is a powerful plea to Joab, David's commander, to stop the siege of her city. Let's break it down:
"I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel." This woman is emphasizing that she and the people of Abel Beth Maakah are loyal, law-abiding citizens of Israel who desire peace. They are not rebellious or a threat to David's kingdom. She's establishing their credibility and innocence.
"You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel." This is the core of her argument. She describes Abel Beth Maakah as a "city and a mother in Israel." The city being a "mother" implies it's a significant city, a hub that nurtures and provides for its inhabitants. Destroying it would not only be a tragedy for the people living there but also a loss for the whole nation of Israel. It could also imply a historical connection to the area and its role as a foundational city, with "mother" having the meaning of founder.
"Why will you swallow up Yahweh’s inheritance?" This is the most crucial part, invoking a religious argument. Israel is considered Yahweh's (God's) inheritance, his chosen people and land. By destroying a city within Israel, Joab would be effectively diminishing and consuming Yahweh's own possession. "Swallowing up" implies a complete destruction and annihilation of something valuable. This is a direct challenge to Joab's loyalty to God and to David, who rules in God's name.
In essence, the woman is saying:
"We are peaceful, faithful citizens of Israel. This city is important and innocent. Why are you destroying a part of God's chosen land and people for no good reason?"
Context is Key:
To fully understand the verse, you need to know the context of 2 Samuel 20:
Sheba's Rebellion: A man named Sheba rebelled against David and sought refuge in Abel Beth Maakah.
Joab's Siege: Joab pursued Sheba and laid siege to the city.
The Wise Woman's Intervention: Instead of allowing the destruction of the entire city, the wise woman negotiated with Joab.
Significance:
Wisdom and Diplomacy: The woman's wise words highlight the importance of diplomacy and negotiation over violence.
Value of Peace: It underscores the value of peace and the tragedy of unnecessary destruction.
Respect for God's Inheritance: It emphasizes the respect due to God's chosen people and land.
Joab's Pragmatism: Joab recognized the wisdom in her words, and upon the woman producing Sheba's head, he lifted the siege, saving the city. This showed that Joab was willing to use violence when necessary but also understood the value of peace and the importance of not destroying innocent cities.
In conclusion, this verse is a powerful plea for peace, highlighting the loyalty of the city, its importance to Israel, and the sacrilege of destroying what belongs to God. It demonstrates the wisdom and diplomacy of the woman and shows the value of negotiation over violence.
2 samuel 20:19 - I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up Yahweh’s inheritance?”
What does "2 samuel 20:19" mean?
This verse, spoken by a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maakah, is a powerful plea to Joab, David's commander, to stop the siege of her city. Let's break it down:
"I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel." This woman is emphasizing that she and the people of Abel Beth Maakah are loyal, law-abiding citizens of Israel who desire peace. They are not rebellious or a threat to David's kingdom. She's establishing their credibility and innocence.
"You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel." This is the core of her argument. She describes Abel Beth Maakah as a "city and a mother in Israel." The city being a "mother" implies it's a significant city, a hub that nurtures and provides for its inhabitants. Destroying it would not only be a tragedy for the people living there but also a loss for the whole nation of Israel. It could also imply a historical connection to the area and its role as a foundational city, with "mother" having the meaning of founder.
"Why will you swallow up Yahweh’s inheritance?" This is the most crucial part, invoking a religious argument. Israel is considered Yahweh's (God's) inheritance, his chosen people and land. By destroying a city within Israel, Joab would be effectively diminishing and consuming Yahweh's own possession. "Swallowing up" implies a complete destruction and annihilation of something valuable. This is a direct challenge to Joab's loyalty to God and to David, who rules in God's name.
In essence, the woman is saying:
"We are peaceful, faithful citizens of Israel. This city is important and innocent. Why are you destroying a part of God's chosen land and people for no good reason?"
Context is Key:
To fully understand the verse, you need to know the context of 2 Samuel 20:
Sheba's Rebellion: A man named Sheba rebelled against David and sought refuge in Abel Beth Maakah.
Joab's Siege: Joab pursued Sheba and laid siege to the city.
The Wise Woman's Intervention: Instead of allowing the destruction of the entire city, the wise woman negotiated with Joab.
Significance:
Wisdom and Diplomacy: The woman's wise words highlight the importance of diplomacy and negotiation over violence.
Value of Peace: It underscores the value of peace and the tragedy of unnecessary destruction.
Respect for God's Inheritance: It emphasizes the respect due to God's chosen people and land.
Joab's Pragmatism: Joab recognized the wisdom in her words, and upon the woman producing Sheba's head, he lifted the siege, saving the city. This showed that Joab was willing to use violence when necessary but also understood the value of peace and the importance of not destroying innocent cities.
In conclusion, this verse is a powerful plea for peace, highlighting the loyalty of the city, its importance to Israel, and the sacrilege of destroying what belongs to God. It demonstrates the wisdom and diplomacy of the woman and shows the value of negotiation over violence.