What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:14? Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel “Now Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel…” (2 Samuel 20:14a) • This line shows how quickly a single rebel can spread unrest. Just as Absalom earlier “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:6), Sheba exploits lingering dissatisfaction after Absalom’s defeat (2 Samuel 20:1–2). • By traveling tribe to tribe, he deliberately fractures the national unity David is restoring (compare Judges 21:25; 1 Kings 12:16). • The verse reminds us that rebellion, when unchecked, moves fast—much like the spreading “little leaven” of 1 Corinthians 5:6. to Abel-beth-maacah “…to Abel-beth-maacah…” (2 Samuel 20:14b) • Sheba heads north to a well-fortified border town (see 2 Kings 15:29; 1 Kings 15:20). Border regions often provided refuge for fugitives (1 Samuel 27:1). • He likely hopes distance from Jerusalem will slow Joab’s pursuit (2 Samuel 20:7–10) and give him time to rally support. • Yet Psalm 139:7-10 reminds us no distance places anyone beyond God’s oversight; God will use Joab and a wise woman of Abel to end the threat (2 Samuel 20:15-22). and through the entire region of the Berites “…and through the entire region of the Berites…” (2 Samuel 20:14c) • “Berites” were clans linked to Sheba’s own family line of Bichri, a Benjaminite (2 Samuel 20:1). Fleeing among kin increases his chances of protection—similar to how Saul once trusted Benjaminites (1 Samuel 22:7-8). • The detail underscores that loyalties can become tribal rather than covenantal, contrasting with the unity God desired (Deuteronomy 33:5; Psalm 133:1). • It also highlights the lingering volatility within Benjamin—first with Saul’s house (2 Samuel 3–4) and now with Sheba—showing David’s kingdom still faces internal tests (2 Samuel 21:1-2). who gathered together and followed him “…who gathered together and followed him.” (2 Samuel 20:14d) • Sheba’s charisma persuades many to pledge support, echoing Absalom’s earlier following (2 Samuel 15:12-13) and foretelling future schisms like the ten-tribe revolt under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:19–20). • Though the crowd seems impressive, it lacks staying power; once Joab besieges Abel, Sheba’s allies vanish (2 Samuel 20:22). Proverbs 21:30 affirms, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” • The line reminds us that popularity does not equal truth. Jesus experienced crowds who hailed Him one day and abandoned Him the next (John 6:66; Matthew 21:9 vs. 27:22). summary 2 Samuel 20:14 traces Sheba’s frantic campaign: moving tribe to tribe, fortifying at Abel-beth-maacah, seeking kin support among the Berites, and rallying followers. The verse exposes how rebellion capitalizes on unresolved grievances but also how God’s sovereign hand swiftly limits its reach. Distance, tribal ties, and numbers cannot overturn the Lord’s anointed plan for David’s kingdom—nor, ultimately, His greater Kingdom in Christ. |
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