What does 2 Samuel 20:18 mean?
"Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter." - 2 Samuel 20:18
The verse 2 Samuel 20:18 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel, which tells the story of King David's reign over Israel. This particular verse is part of a larger narrative depicting the aftermath of a rebellion led by a man named Sheba, who had tried to incite a revolt against King David. In this verse, a wise woman from the city of Abel offers her counsel to David's general, Joab, as he prepares to besiege the city and capture Sheba.
The woman's words reveal a tradition or proverb from old times, in which people sought counsel at Abel. This provides an insight into the reputation of Abel as a place known for wisdom and prudent advice. The woman's advice serves as a reminder of this tradition, and she cleverly uses it to influence Joab's actions and bring about a resolution to the conflict.
One of the key themes in this verse is the wisdom of seeking counsel and the importance of heeding the advice of wise individuals. The woman's words carry authority and significance, as she effectively uses tradition and wisdom to influence the outcome of the situation. This theme aligns with the broader biblical concept of seeking counsel and guidance from God and from wise leaders or mentors.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance within the larger narrative of 2 Samuel. The rebellion led by Sheba was a serious threat to King David's reign, and it posed a challenge to the stability and unity of the nation of Israel. Joab's decision to besiege the city of Abel was a strategic move to capture Sheba and quell the rebellion. In this context, the woman's counsel serves as a pivotal moment in the resolution of the conflict, as her words influence Joab's actions and ultimately lead to the end of the rebellion.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The city of Abel itself can be seen as a symbol of wisdom and prudence, as it is known as a place where counsel is sought and where important matters are resolved. The wise woman who speaks in this verse can be seen as a symbolic representation of wisdom and insight, as she uses her words to influence the outcome of the conflict. Her counsel serves as a reminder of the value of seeking wise advice and the role of wisdom in resolving conflicts and making important decisions.
In summary, 2 Samuel 20:18 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys themes of wisdom, counsel, and the importance of seeking advice from wise individuals. The verse is significant within the larger narrative of 2 Samuel, as it serves as a pivotal moment in the resolution of the rebellion led by Sheba. The context of the verse and its symbolism also contribute to its deeper meaning within the biblical text. Overall, this verse offers a valuable lesson on the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel in the face of conflict and important decisions.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 20:18?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 20:18 Artwork
2 Samuel 20:18 - "Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter."
"Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter." - 2 Samuel 20:18
2 Samuel 18:20 - "And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 20:18 - "Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 20:20 - "And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy."
2 Samuel 20:25 - "And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:"
2 Samuel 20:24 - "And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"
2 Samuel 20:26 - "And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."
2 Samuel 2:20 - "Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am."
2 Samuel 5:18 - "The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim."
2 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe."
2 Samuel 11:18 - "¶ Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;"
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
"And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him." - 1 Samuel 18:20
1 Samuel 18:2 - "And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house."
2 Samuel 18:10 - "And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak."
2 Samuel 8:18 - "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers."
2 Samuel 18:1 - "And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
2 Samuel 20:4 - "¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 20:23 - "¶ Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"
"¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Samuel 2:18
"Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty." - 1 Samuel 20:18