Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Joab’s men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bikri. New Living Translation So Abishai and Joab, together with the king’s bodyguard and all the mighty warriors, set out from Jerusalem to go after Sheba. English Standard Version And there went out after him Joab’s men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men. They went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. Berean Standard Bible So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. King James Bible And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. New King James Version So Joab’s men, with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, went out after him. And they went out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. New American Standard Bible So Joab’s men went out after him, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors; and they left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. NASB 1995 So Joab’s men went out after him, along with the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men; and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. NASB 1977 So Joab’s men went out after him, along with the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men; and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. Legacy Standard Bible So Joab’s men pursued him, along with the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men; and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. Amplified Bible So Joab’s men went after him, along with [David’s bodyguards] the Cherethites and Pelethites and all the warriors; they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. Christian Standard Bible So Joab’s men, the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors marched out under Abishai’s command; they left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Joab’s men, the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors marched out under Abishai’s command; they left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri. American Standard Version And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. Contemporary English Version Abishai left Jerusalem to try and capture Sheba. He took along Joab and his soldiers, as well as David's bodyguard and best troops. English Revised Version And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Joab's men, the Cherethites, Pelethites, and all the soldiers went with Abishai. They left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba, Bichri's son. Good News Translation So Joab's men, the royal bodyguards, and all the other soldiers left Jerusalem with Abishai to go after Sheba. International Standard Version So Joab's men, the special forces and mercenaries, and all of David's elite forces left Jerusalem in pursuit of Bichri's son Sheba. NET Bible So Joab's men, accompanied by the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors, left Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri. New Heart English Bible So there went out after him Joab's men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the warriors. And they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bikri. Webster's Bible Translation And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. World English Bible Joab’s men went out after him with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the men of Joab go out after him, and the Cherethite, and the Pelethite, and all the mighty men, and they go out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri; Young's Literal Translation And the men of Joab go out after him, and the Cherethite, and the Pelethite, and all the mighty men, and they go out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri; Smith's Literal Translation And Joab's men went forth after him, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and all the mighty went forth from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo Joab's men went out with him, and the Cerethi and the Phelethi: and all the valiant men went out of Jerusalem to pursue after Seba the son of Bochri. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, the men of Joab departed with him, along with the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And all the able-bodied men went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba, the son of Bichri. New American Bible So Joab and the Cherethites and Pelethites and all the warriors marched out behind Abishai from Jerusalem to campaign in pursuit of Sheba, son of Bichri. New Revised Standard Version Joab’s men went out after him, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the warriors; they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there went out after him Joab's men, the noblemen and the army and all the mighty men; and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Shamoa, the son of Bichri. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the companions of Yuab went out after him, Freemen and Soldiers and all the mighty men, and they went out from Jerusalem and they went after Shamu, son of Bakri OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. Brenton Septuagint Translation And there went out after him Amessai and the men of Joab, and the Cherethites, and the Phelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sabee the son of Bochori. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sheba's Rebellion…6And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” 7So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. 8And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath.… Cross References 2 Samuel 2:18-23 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ... 2 Samuel 3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 2 Samuel 18:2 He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” 2 Samuel 23:18-19 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. 1 Kings 1:38-40 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. / Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound. 1 Kings 2:5 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. 1 Chronicles 11:20-21 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Chronicles 27:5-6 The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division. / This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division. 1 Chronicles 27:34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army. Matthew 26:47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Luke 22:47 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. John 18:3 So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. Treasury of Scripture And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites: 2 Samuel 8:16,18 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; … 2 Samuel 15:18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. Jump to Previous Abishai Abi'shai Bichri Bicri Cherethite Cherethites Cher'ethites Command Fighting-Men Jerusalem Joab Jo'ab Joab's Kerethites Marched Mighty Overtake Pelethite Pelethites Pel'ethites Pursue Sheba WarriorsJump to Next Abishai Abi'shai Bichri Bicri Cherethite Cherethites Cher'ethites Command Fighting-Men Jerusalem Joab Jo'ab Joab's Kerethites Marched Mighty Overtake Pelethite Pelethites Pel'ethites Pursue Sheba Warriors2 Samuel 20 1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel3. 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 So Joab’s men Joab was the commander of King David's army, a position he held with great influence and authority. His men were seasoned warriors, loyal to Joab and by extension to David. Joab's leadership is a recurring theme in the narrative of David's reign, often marked by his decisive and sometimes ruthless actions. His men would have been well-trained and experienced in battle, reflecting Joab's own military prowess. along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites and all the mighty men marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabA prominent military commander under King David, known for his strategic prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. He plays a significant role in maintaining David's kingdom. 2. Cherethites and Pelethites These were elite groups of warriors who served as part of King David's personal guard. They were likely of foreign origin, possibly from Crete or Philistine territories, and were known for their loyalty and skill in battle. 3. Mighty Warriors This term refers to the valiant and skilled soldiers who were part of David's army. They were known for their bravery and effectiveness in combat. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel and the political and spiritual center during King David's reign. It served as the starting point for the pursuit of Sheba. 5. Sheba son of Bichri A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, seeking to divide the kingdom. His actions prompted a swift military response from David's forces. Teaching Points Loyalty and ServiceThe Cherethites and Pelethites exemplify loyalty and dedicated service. As Christians, we are called to serve God and others with unwavering commitment, reflecting the loyalty of these warriors. Unity in Purpose The combined forces of Joab's men, the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the mighty warriors demonstrate the power of unity in pursuing a common goal. In the body of Christ, unity is essential for advancing God's kingdom. Responding to Rebellion The swift response to Sheba's rebellion teaches the importance of addressing sin and division promptly and decisively within the church to maintain spiritual health and unity. Spiritual Warfare Just as David's warriors were prepared for physical battle, Christians must be equipped for spiritual warfare, using the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the enemy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:7?2. How does 2 Samuel 20:7 illustrate the importance of following God's appointed leaders? 3. What can we learn from Joab's actions about loyalty and obedience to authority? 4. How does this verse connect with Romans 13:1 on submitting to authority? 5. In what ways can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? 6. How can we apply the lessons from 2 Samuel 20:7 in our community? 7. What does 2 Samuel 20:7 reveal about Joab's leadership and character? 8. How does 2 Samuel 20:7 fit into the broader narrative of David's reign? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Samuel 20:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20? 11. Who were the Cherethites in the Bible? 12. Who were the Cherethites in the Bible? 13. Does the reported death toll of 20,000 men (2 Samuel 18:7) reflect a realistic military outcome for that period, or is it exaggerated? 14. In 2 Samuel 20:16-22, how does the 'wise woman's' negotiation for Sheba's head align with the Bible's broader emphasis on justice and mercy? What Does 2 Samuel 20:7 Mean So Joab’s men“So Joab’s men” (2 Samuel 20:7) reminds us that the king’s professional soldiers still viewed Joab as their seasoned commander, despite David’s recent attempt to place Amasa over the army (2 Samuel 19:13). • Their proven loyalty under Joab is seen in earlier victories (2 Samuel 8:16; 10:9–14). • Joab’s leadership had protected the kingdom during Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 18:2–12). This opening phrase underscores how God often works through established, battle-tested servants to maintain order when rebellion threatens His ordained king. along with the Cherethites These elite bodyguards, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18, were foreigners who had bound themselves to David. Their presence here shows: • The king’s protection rested on faithful covenant allies, echoing the loyalty of the Philistine Gittites who followed David during Absalom’s uprising (2 Samuel 15:18-22). • God’s kingdom can include outsiders who embrace the true King and His anointed. the Pelethites Also part of David’s royal guard (2 Samuel 8:18), the Pelethites serve alongside the Cherethites. Together they represent: • A disciplined, ready force devoted to David’s throne (cf. 1 Kings 1:38 when they later secure Solomon’s coronation). • A reminder that God raises up trustworthy servants to guard His purposes, even when national unity is fragile. and all the mighty men “All the mighty men” calls to mind the valiant champions listed in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. • These men had stood with David from his wilderness years (1 Samuel 22:1-2) and forged deep bonds in hardship. • Their inclusion signals that the full weight of seasoned warriors is now mobilized against rebellion. The phrase testifies that God equips His leaders with courageous companions who will confront threats decisively. marched out of Jerusalem Leaving Jerusalem—the city God chose for His name (Psalm 132:13)—shows: • The urgency of striking quickly before Sheba’s revolt gains momentum, echoing David’s earlier flight from Absalom to protect the capital (2 Samuel 15:14). • Faithful servants are willing to move out from places of security when the kingdom’s peace is at stake (cf. Nehemiah 4:13-14). in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri Sheba had sounded the trumpet of division, declaring, “We have no share in David” (2 Samuel 20:1-2). Pursuing him highlights: • Rebellion must be confronted; indifference would fracture the covenant nation (Deuteronomy 13:12-15). • God’s justice works through prompt, orderly action by His appointed authorities (Romans 13:3-4). • The goal is restoration of unity under the rightful king, foreshadowing the Messiah’s ultimate reign of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). summary 2 Samuel 20:7 portrays a swift, well-ordered mobilization against rebellion. Joab’s seasoned troops, the loyal Cherethites and Pelethites, and David’s mighty men leave Jerusalem together to defend God’s chosen king. The verse testifies that the Lord preserves His kingdom by raising up faithful, courageous servants who act decisively to confront division and secure covenant unity. (7) Joab's men.--The body of men who were usually under Joab's immediate command, and who would readily follow his brother, whom they had been accustomed to see associated with him. On "the Che-rethites and the Pelethites," see Note on 2Samuel 8:18. "The mighty men" (see 2Samuel 23:8) appear to have been an especial body of heroes, probably made up chiefly of those who had been with David in his life as an outlaw.Verse 7. - There went out after him - that is, under Abishai's command (comp. ver. 2) - Joab's men. The men who formed his regular attendants, and to whose number belonged the ten armour bearers who slew Absalom (2 Samuel 18:15). Joab retained their command, and probably they would not have served under any other person. It is evident from the enumeration in this verse that the "men of Judah," after escorting David to Jerusalem, had all dispersed to their own homes.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Joab’sיוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites men, אַנְשֵׁ֣י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person along with the Cherethites, וְהַכְּרֵתִ֥י (wə·hak·kə·rê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3774: Cherethites -- the foreign bodyguard of King David the Pelethites, וְהַפְּלֵתִ֖י (wə·hap·pə·lê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6432: A courier, official messenger and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the mighty men, הַגִּבֹּרִ֑ים (hag·gib·bō·rîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant marched out of וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Jerusalem מִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (mî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel in pursuit לִרְדֹּ֕ף (lir·dōp̄) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute of Sheba שֶׁ֥בַע (še·ḇa‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7652: Sheba -- two Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Bichri. בִּכְרִֽי׃ (biḵ·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1075: Bichri -- 'youthful', a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc Links 2 Samuel 20:7 NIV2 Samuel 20:7 NLT 2 Samuel 20:7 ESV 2 Samuel 20:7 NASB 2 Samuel 20:7 KJV 2 Samuel 20:7 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 20:7 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 20:7 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 20:7 French Bible 2 Samuel 20:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 20:7 There went out after him Joab's men (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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