BibleWord.ai› Bible› 2 Samuel› Chapter 20› Verse 17

2 Samuel 20:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 20:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
2 Samuel 20:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maacah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
15And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
16Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
17And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
18Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel: and so they ended [the matter].
19I am 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 Jehovah?
20And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
← 2 Samuel 20:162 Samuel 20:18 →
← Full Chapter 20 2 Samuel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he was come near unto her, etc.] As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him: the woman said, [art] thou Joab? she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him: and he answered, I [am he]; the very person you ask after: and she said unto him, hear the words of thine handmaid; though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say: and he answered, I do hear: am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Hear the words: Sa2 14:12; Sa1 25:24 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 20:18”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 20 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification