What does 2 Samuel 20:14 mean?
"¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him." - 2 Samuel 20:14
The verse 2 Samuel 20:14 in the King James Version of the Bible states, “And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.” This verse is a part of the story of Sheba’s rebellion against King David in the book of 2 Samuel. To understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is essential to look at its themes, context, and symbolism within the larger narrative of the Bible.
Firstly, the theme of loyalty and allegiance is prevalent in this verse. Sheba’s revolt against King David is a demonstration of the struggle for power and leadership within the kingdom of Israel. The fact that “all the tribes of Israel” are mentioned emphasizes the extent of Sheba’s rebellion and the unity of the people against King David. This verse illustrates the importance of staying faithful to the established authority and the consequences of defying the rightful king.
Secondly, the context of this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Sheba had led a rebellion against King David, declaring, “We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel” (2 Samuel 20:1). This rebellion posed a significant threat to David’s reign and the unity of the kingdom. As a result, Joab, one of David’s commanders, was tasked with pursuing and capturing Sheba, which eventually led to the events described in verse 14.
Symbolically, the mention of Abel and Bethmaachah carries an important significance. Abel was a well-known city in Israel, and it is likely that the reference to Abel in this verse signifies the extent of Sheba’s rebellion, as it had spread to various parts of the kingdom. The city of Abel is significant elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the story of Cain and Abel, where it is associated with conflict and bloodshed. Likewise, the mention of Bethmaachah and the Berites signifies the widespread support for Sheba's rebellion, reflecting the depth of division within the kingdom.
In the larger context of the Bible, this verse also reflects the recurring theme of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God’s chosen leaders. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous accounts depict the aftermath of individuals or groups who defied the authority established by God. In this case, Sheba’s rebellion against King David led to conflict and division within Israel, demonstrating the importance of honoring the rightful leadership as appointed by God.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 20:14 conveys a message about the repercussions of disloyalty and rebellion against established authority. The verse showcases the theme of allegiance and the consequences of defying God’s chosen leader. Its context within the larger narrative of the Bible demonstrates the significance of honoring the rightful rulers and the unity of the people of Israel. Through its symbolism of Abel, Bethmaachah, and the Berites, the verse emphasizes the widespread impact of Sheba’s rebellion. Overall, this verse provides valuable lessons about the importance of loyalty and the dangers of discord within a kingdom.
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2 Samuel 20:14 - "¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him."
"¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him." - 2 Samuel 20:14
2 Samuel 14:20 - "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth."
1 Samuel 20:14 - "And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:"
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 6:14
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 6:14–22
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 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."
1 Samuel 14:20 - "And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture."
"And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:" - 1 Samuel 20:14
2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."
2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."
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 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
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:"
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."