2 Samuel 20:20

20 And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town!

2 Samuel 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 20:20

And Joab answered and said, far be it from me, far be it from
me
He repeats these words, to show how detestable it was to him to do what she suggested:

that I should swallow up or destroy;
any in a violent and unrighteous manner, and especially a city of which she had given such a character for its greatness and worth, and for the peaceableness and fidelity of its inhabitants.

2 Samuel 20:20 In-Context

18 Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’

19 I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel. Why do you want to devour what belongs to the LORD ?”

20 And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town!

21 That’s not my purpose. All I want is a man named Sheba son of Bicri from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David. If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.” “All right,” the woman replied, “we will throw his head over the wall to you.”

22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off Sheba’s head and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and called his troops back from the attack. They all returned to their homes, and Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem.