What does 2 Samuel 20:19 mean?
"I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?" - 2 Samuel 20:19
2 Samuel 20:19 KJV: "I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?"
The context of this verse is the rebellion of Sheba son of Bicri against David's rule as king of Israel. After David had returned to his throne and restored his kingdom, Sheba began to stir up dissent and rebellion among the people of Israel. In response, David sent his army under the command of Joab to pursue Sheba and put an end to his rebellion. During the pursuit, Sheba took refuge in the city of Abel Beth Maachah, and Joab's army besieged the city in an effort to capture and kill Sheba. It is during this siege that a wise woman from the city speaks these words to Joab, appealing to him to spare their city and lives.
In this verse, the woman identifies herself as someone who is peaceable and faithful in Israel, expressing her loyalty to the nation and its leadership. She then questions Joab's actions, accusing him of seeking to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. This is a powerful appeal to Joab's sense of righteousness and justice, as the woman is essentially asking him why he would want to bring destruction upon innocent people and their heritage.
One of the main themes of this verse is the clash between loyalty and rebellion. The woman's declaration of peaceableness and faithfulness in Israel is a contrast to the rebellion of Sheba and his followers. It highlights the importance of loyalty and obedience to the established authority, as opposed to the disruption and chaos caused by rebellion. This theme is significant in the historical context of the Israelite monarchy, as the nation's well-being and stability depended on the people's allegiance to their king.
Another theme is the preservation of life and heritage. The woman's plea to Joab reflects her concern for the safety and inheritance of her people. She implores Joab to consider the consequences of his actions and the impact they would have on the city and its inhabitants. This theme underscores the value of human life and the preservation of cultural heritage, which are recurring motifs throughout the Bible.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the woman's appeal as a representation of the voice of reason and compassion in the midst of conflict. Her words embody the values of peace and righteousness, and her courage in confronting Joab shows her commitment to defending her people. Additionally, the city of Abel Beth Maachah can be seen as a symbol of the nation of Israel itself, besieged by internal strife and external threats, yet resilient and determined to survive.
Overall, 2 Samuel 20:19 presents a poignant moment of moral and ethical reckoning in the midst of political and military turmoil. The woman's impassioned plea for peace and justice resonates with timeless principles of loyalty, preservation, and compassion, making it a powerful and thought-provoking passage in the biblical narrative.
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2 Samuel 20:19 - "I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?"
"I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?" - 2 Samuel 20:19
2 Samuel 19:20 - "For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king."
1 Samuel 19:20 - "And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:8
2 Samuel 19:24
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 19:1 - "And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom."
2 Samuel 2:20 - "Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am."
2 Samuel 22:19 - "They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay."
2 Samuel 24:19 - "And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded."
1 Samuel 20:19 - "And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel."
2 Samuel 2:19 - "And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner."
2 Samuel 1:19 - "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!"
2 Samuel 19:2 - "And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 19:23 - "Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto 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 11:19 - "And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,"
2 Samuel 23:19 - "Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three."
2 Samuel 17:19 - "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."