When Joab’s forces arrived, they attacked Abel-beth-maacah. They built a siege ramp against the town’s fortifications and began battering down the wall. But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, “Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.” As he approached, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. So she said, “Listen carefully to your servant.” “I’m listening,” he said. Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’ 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?” And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town! 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.” 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. Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard. Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. Sheva was the court secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests. And Ira, a descendant of Jair, was David’s personal priest.
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Compare All Versions: 2 Samuel 20:15-26
3 Days
Explore the Wise Woman of Abel. In this plan, Dr. Shenica Nelson invites us to discover what it truly means to be a spiritual warrior, one who uses wisdom as a weapon to bring peace and preservation. Drawing from 2 Samuel 20:14-22, this study highlights the story of an unnamed woman who shifted the course of a city through discernment, strategy, and Spirit-led courage. Each day reveals how we, too, can wield the powerful tools of wisdom in our homes, communities, and callings.
21 Days
2 Samuel depicts the ascension and reign of King David following the death of Saul and Jonathan. David united the kingdom, established Jerusalem as the capital city, and extended the territory of Israel. At the crescendo of the book, God promises David that "your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite David's wickedness, God ultimately fulfills his promises to David through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
30 Days
Do you ever wish you were stronger in your faith? In this 30-day devotional with Ann White, we’ll explore the courageous spirits of women of the bible, women in history, and women of our world today whose lives embolden us to have strong faith in God – no matter the twists and turns life throws our way. God wants you to be brave. You can be strong and courageous!
10 Days
The battle is real. It’s in our communities, our homes, and our hearts. It’s everywhere around us. As mothers, we are we down in the trenches and fighting on the frontlines--facing our enemy head on. But the good news is that God has given us every necessary weapon to fight each battle, and we never step onto the battlefield alone. He goes before us and is with us every step of the way. Join us as we learn from warrior women in the bible in a journey to be warriors!
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