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2 Samuel 20:22

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 20:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
2 Samuel 20:22 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
21The matter is not so: but a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David; deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.
22Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
23Now Joab was over all the host of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;
24and Adoram was over the men subject to taskwork; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;
25and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
← 2 Samuel 20:212 Samuel 20:23 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom, etc.] Went from the wall of the city into it, and convened the principal inhabitants together, and made so wise a speech to them, and represented things in such a light, and so prudently conducted, that they unanimously agreed to her motion: and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab; whose face Joab knew full well, and was satisfied it was his head that was thrown over: and he blew a trumpet; as a sign of retreat: and they retired from the city, every man to his tent; the army under Joab broke up the siege, and departed, every man to his own city, as the Targum: and Joab returned unto Jerusalem unto…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wisdom - Prudently treated with them about it, representing to them the certainty and nearness of their ruin, if they did not speedily comply with her desires, and certain deliverance if they did. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 20:23”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“in her wisdom: Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:14-18 he blew: Sa2 20:1, Sa2 2:28, Sa2 18:16 retired: Heb. were scattered And Joab: Sa2 3:28-39, 11:6-21; Ecc 8:11 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 20:23”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification