2 Samuel 20

When the men accompanying Amasa saw that their leader was lying dead on the road, they no doubt wondered what to do next. One of Joab’s men challenged them to show their loyalty to David by following Joab. This they agreed to do, and all the men then went on with Joab (verse 13).

14–22 Meanwhile, Sheba had gone with his followers to the northern city of Abel Beth Maacah, where he prepared to defend himself. It turned out to be a bad choice from Sheba’s point of view. The people of that particular city were noted for their wisdom (verse 18), and on the advice of one wise woman among them they agreed to give Sheba’s head to Joab in return for his promise to stop besieging their city (verses 16,21). The woman had made this arrangement with Joab by persuading him not to swallow up part of the LORD’s inheritance (verse 19); the city was part of Israel and thus belonged to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 10:1 and comment). Furthermore, destroying one troublemaker was far better than destroying a whole city.

Joab agreed to the woman’s terms, and the people of the city killed Sheba and threw his head down to Joab from the city wall (verse 22). Joab and his forces then withdrew and returned to Jerusalem.

23–26 The writer concludes this chapter with a list of David’s royal officials during the latter part of his reign.⁶⁵ Notice in verse 23 that Joab is said to be over Israel’s entire army. Though Joab remained loyal to David, he was a ruthless man who often ignored David’s commands. He served on his own terms, never losing sight of his own self-interest. Many people serve God in the same way; in effect, they try to serve two masters: themselves and God (Matthew 6:24). “Loyalty” alone is not enough; we must serve God with our whole heart and diligently obey all of His commands.