2 Samuel 20:20

20 Jo'ab answered, "Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!

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 said, "They were wont to say in old time, 'Let them but ask counsel at Abel'; and so they settled a matter.

19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city which is a mother in Israel; why will you swallow up the heritage of the LORD?"

20 Jo'ab answered, "Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!

21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of E'phraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David; give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city." And the woman said to Jo'ab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall."

22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Jo'ab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Jo'ab returned to Jerusalem to the king.