2 Samuel 20:14
New International Version
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maakah and through the entire region of the Bikrites, who gathered together and followed him.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel and eventually came to the town of Abel-beth-maacah. All the members of his own clan, the Bicrites, assembled for battle and followed him into the town.

English Standard Version
And Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah, and all the Bichrites assembled and followed him in.

Berean Standard Bible
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.

King James Bible
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

New King James Version
And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and Beth Maachah and all the Berites. So they were gathered together and also went after Sheba.

New American Standard Bible
Now he went on through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, that is, Beth-maacah, and all the Berites; and they assembled and went after him as well.

NASB 1995
Now he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, even Beth-maacah, and all the Berites; and they were gathered together and also went after him.

NASB 1977
Now he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel even to Beth-maacah and all the Berites; and they were gathered together and also went after him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, even Beth-maacah, and all the Berites; and they were assembled and also came after him.

Amplified Bible
Now Joab went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, even Beth-maacah, and all the Berites; and they assembled and also went after Sheba.

Christian Standard Bible
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah. All the Berites came together and followed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah. All the Berites came together and followed him.

American Standard Version
And 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.

Contemporary English Version
Sheba had gone through all of the tribes of Israel when he came to the town of Abel Beth-Maacah. All of his best soldiers met him there and followed him into the town.

English Revised Version
And 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel (Beth Maacah). All the Berites were gathered together and followed him to the city.

Good News Translation
Sheba passed through the territory of all the tribes of Israel and came to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, and all the members of the clan of Bikri assembled and followed him into the city.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, Sheba traveled throughout the tribes of Israel in the direction of Abel and Beth-maacah, and all of the descendants of Beri gathered together and followed him inside.

Majority Standard Bible
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.

NET Bible
Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah and all the Berite region. When they had assembled, they too joined him.

New Heart English Bible
He went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah, and all the Bikrites assembled and followed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were assembled, and went also after him.

World English Bible
He went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, to Beth Maacah, and all the Berites. They were gathered together, and went also after him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he passes over through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Beth-Maachah, and to all the Berites, and they are assembled, and also go in after him,

Young's Literal Translation
And he passeth over through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Beth-Maachah, and to all the Berites, and they are assembled, and go in also after him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will pass through in all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to the house of oppression, and all the Berites: and they will be called together, and they will go also after him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now he had passed through all the tribes of Israel unto Abela and Bethmaacha: and all the chosen men were gathered together unto him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now he had passed through all the tribes of Israel into Abel and Bethmaacah. And all the elect men had gathered together to him.

New American Bible
Sheba had passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth-maacah. Then all the Bichrites assembled and they too entered the city after him.

New Revised Standard Version
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah; and all the Bichrites assembled, and followed him inside.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and to Beth-maachah and to Berin; and they went after him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they passed through into all of the tribes of Israel in Abel and in Bayth Maaka and in all the towns and they went after him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And 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 in also after him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Bethmacha; and all in Charri too were assembled, and followed after him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheba's Rebellion
13As soon as Amasa’s body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri. 14Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. 15And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it,…

Cross References
2 Samuel 17:25
Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.

2 Samuel 19:40-43
Then the king crossed over to Gilgal, and Chimham crossed over with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king. / Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” ...

1 Kings 11:26-28
Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, / and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. / Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

Judges 9:50-57
Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it. / But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. / When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire. ...

2 Samuel 2:8-9
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.

2 Samuel 15:10-12
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 18:6-8
So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. / There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men. / The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.

2 Samuel 16:5-14
As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! ...

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

2 Samuel 3:6-10
During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul. / Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” / Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! ...

2 Samuel 19:9-10
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”

2 Samuel 15:2-6
He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” / And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” ...

2 Samuel 3:20-21
When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. / Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.


Treasury of Scripture

And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

1 Kings 15:20
So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

2 Chronicles 16:4
And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Berites

Joshua 18:25
Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

Beeroth

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Abel Assembled Berites Beth Beth-Maacah Bethmaachah Beth-Maachah Entire Followed Gathered Israel Maacah Passed Passeth Region Sheba Together Tribes
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Abel Assembled Berites Beth Beth-Maacah Bethmaachah Beth-Maachah Entire Followed Gathered Israel Maacah Passed Passeth Region Sheba Together Tribes
2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers














Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel
The name "Sheba" here refers to Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, who instigated a rebellion against King David. The Hebrew root for "Sheba" (שֶׁבַע) can mean "oath" or "seven," symbolizing completeness or a binding agreement. His passing through "all the tribes of Israel" indicates the widespread nature of his rebellion, as he sought to rally support against David. Historically, this reflects the fragile unity of Israel during David's reign, a time when tribal loyalties often superseded national unity.

to Abel of Beth-maacah
"Abel of Beth-maacah" was a fortified city in the northern part of Israel. The name "Abel" (אָבֵל) means "meadow" or "stream," suggesting a place of fertility and life. "Beth-maacah" indicates a house or region associated with Maacah, possibly a local deity or a notable figure. This city was known for its wisdom and counsel, as seen later in the chapter when a wise woman intervenes to save the city. Theologically, Abel of Beth-maacah represents a place where wisdom and diplomacy can avert disaster, a reminder of the power of godly counsel.

and all the Berites gathered together
The "Berites" are a group mentioned only here in the Bible, and their exact identity is uncertain. The Hebrew root "Berites" (בֵּרִי) may be related to "well" or "pit," suggesting a people associated with a specific location or resource. Their gathering together with Sheba indicates their allegiance to his cause, highlighting the divisions within Israel. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of aligning with rebellion and the importance of unity under God's chosen leadership.

and followed him
The phrase "followed him" signifies allegiance and support. In Hebrew, "followed" (וַיֵּלְכוּ אַחֲרָיו) implies a deliberate choice to walk in the footsteps of another. This decision to follow Sheba reflects a rejection of David's kingship, which God had established. From a spiritual perspective, this serves as a warning against following those who lead away from God's ordained path. It underscores the importance of discernment and loyalty to God's anointed leaders, as well as the consequences of rebellion against divine authority.

(14) Unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah.--Abel has been identified with the modern Christian village of Abil (called "Abil-el-Kamh," on account of the excellence of its wheat (north-west of Lake Huleh). It is called "Abel-Beth-maachah," in 2Samuel 20:15 (the "of" should be omitted), and is spoken of under that name in 1Kings 15:20 and 2Kings 15:29 in connection with Ijon and Dan, and in the same connection is called "Abel-maim" ("Abel of waters") in 2Chronicles 16:4, to distinguish it from other places of the same name. It was at the extreme north of the land.

All the Berites.--Apparently a family, or clan, in the north of Israel, otherwise entirely unknown. The LXX. and Vulg. here apparently follow a different text. The Bishop of Bath and Wells supposes the Hebrew word to be a form of the word for "fortresses," but no such form is known.

Verse 14. - And he went through, etc. It was not Joab, but Sheba, who, by David's prompt action, was compelled to make a rapid retreat, seeking help in vain from tribe after tribe, but rejected of all, and unable to make any defence until he had reached the extreme north of the land of Israel. Unto Abel, and to Beth-Maachah. The conjunction probably ought to be omitted, as the proper name of the place, is Abel-beth-Maachah, and it is so given in ver. 15 (see below), and in 1 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:29. It is the place called Abel-Maim, the "water meadow," in 2 Chronicles 16:4 - an abel being a place where the grass grows rankly from the abundance of springs. It thus forms part of the name of various places, as Abel-Mizraim (Genesis 1:11), Abel-Meholah (1 Kings 4:12), etc. Abel-beth-Maachah was a fortress in the most northerly part of the tribe of Naphtali, and is identified with the modern village of Abel, a few miles above Lake Huleh, the ancient "Waters of Merom." And all the Berites. No place or people of this name can be found, but Jerome, when translating the Vulgate, had before him a different reading, which seems clearly right, "And all the chosen men of war were gathered together, and went after him."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sheba passed
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֞ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

through all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the tribes
שִׁבְטֵ֣י (šiḇ·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

toward Abel-Beth-Maacah,
אָבֵ֛לָה (’ā·ḇê·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 59: Abel -- 'meadow', two places in Palestine

through the entire
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

[region of] the Berites,
הַבֵּרִ֑ים (hab·bê·rîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 1276: Berites -- perhaps a place in Palestine

who gathered together
וַיִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּ (way·yiq·qā·hă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7035: Gather together

and followed
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

him.
אַחֲרָֽיו׃ (’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part


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OT History: 2 Samuel 20:14 He went through all the tribes (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 20:13
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