What does 2 Samuel 20:7 mean?
"And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." - 2 Samuel 20:7

The Bible verse 2 Samuel 20:7 in the King James Version (KJV) says, "And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." At first glance, this verse may seem like a simple account of a pursuit, but when examined in context, it holds deeper significance.
To understand the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider the broader context of the passage. In the preceding verses, we learn about a rebellion led by a man named Sheba the son of Bichri. Sheba had incited the people of Israel to abandon King David and follow him instead. This rebellion posed a threat to the unity and stability of the kingdom, so David appointed his general, Joab, to deal with the situation. Joab and his men set out to pursue and capture Sheba in order to restore peace and order to the nation.
One theme that can be derived from this verse is the concept of loyalty and obedience to the established authority. Sheba's rebellion highlights the dangers of dissent and the consequences of defying the rightful leadership. In this context, Joab and his men represent the loyal followers of King David, who are committed to upholding his authority and ensuring the safety and well-being of the kingdom. Their actions reflect their dedication to maintaining the unity and order of the nation, even in the face of threats and challenges.
Moreover, this verse also emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action to address internal threats and maintain the integrity of the community. Joab's pursuit of Sheba demonstrates the need to confront and neutralize rebellion and division in order to preserve the unity and stability of the kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility of those in positions of leadership to protect the welfare of their people and uphold the law and order.
The mention of the Cherethites and the Pelethites in this verse holds symbolic significance as well. These were elite groups of warriors who were loyal to King David and served as his personal bodyguards. Their inclusion in the pursuit of Sheba reinforces the notion of loyalty and devotion to the king, as well as the importance of upholding the authority and honor of the monarchy.
Additionally, the mention of "all the mighty men" in this verse further underscores the unity and strength of King David's forces. These mighty men were renowned for their courage, skill, and dedication in the service of their king. Their involvement in the pursuit of Sheba highlights the collective resolve and determination of the kingdom to overcome challenges and threats to its stability.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 20:7 carries important themes of loyalty, obedience, and unity in the face of rebellion and internal strife. It serves as a testament to the need for decisive action to address threats to the community, as well as the importance of upholding the authority and integrity of the ruling leadership. This verse, when considered in its broader context, offers valuable insights into the principles of governance, loyalty, and the preservation of the nation's well-being.
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2 Samuel 20:7 - "And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."
"And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." - 2 Samuel 20:7
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
1 Samuel 20:7 - "If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him."
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:"
"And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant." - 2 Samuel 7:20
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."
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2 Samuel 7:1–29
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 5:7 - "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
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 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:"
2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"
2 Samuel 22:20 - "He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me."
2 Samuel 10:7 - "And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men."
1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
2 Samuel 8:7 - "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
2 Samuel 20:13 - "When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."
2 Samuel 3:20 - "So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast."
2 Samuel 7:2 - "That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains."
"And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:" - 2 Samuel 20:25
2 Samuel 20:2 - "So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem."