What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:17? When he had come near to her Joab has surrounded Abel-beth-maacah (2 Samuel 20:15), intent on destroying the city to capture Sheba. The “wise woman” calls from the wall (v. 16) and Joab steps close enough to speak. • Approaching shows willingness to negotiate before shedding innocent blood, a trait Proverbs 15:18 commends. • The Lord often raises a lone, courageous voice to avert disaster—think Abigail stopping David in 1 Samuel 25:18-35 or Esther approaching the king in Esther 4:14-16. the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” She verifies identity before speaking, a prudent step when stakes are life and death. • Similar caution appears when Ahaziah confirms Elijah’s identity in 2 Kings 1:7-8. • Joab’s reputation precedes him; he is both feared (2 Samuel 3:39) and respected as David’s commander (2 Samuel 19:13). “I am,” he replied Joab answers plainly; no equivocation. • Direct acknowledgment mirrors Samuel’s “Here I am” to Eli in 1 Samuel 3:8—owning one’s name and responsibility. • Truthful self-identification opens the way for honest dialogue (Ephesians 4:25). “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said The woman calls herself “servant,” displaying humility while seeking to guide a powerful warrior. • Abigail used the same posture with David (1 Samuel 25:24). • Proverbs 15:1 teaches that a gentle appeal can turn away wrath; her approach embodies that wisdom. • God values humble counsel; Nathan’s respectful confrontation of David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7 shows the pattern. “I am listening,” he answered Joab’s readiness to hear saves a city. • Proverbs 12:15 contrasts the fool who ignores advice with the wise who heed counsel; Joab chooses the wiser path. • David once blessed Abigail for her timely words (1 Samuel 25:32-33); Joab now positions himself to receive similar life-preserving instruction. • James 1:19 urges believers to be “quick to listen”; Joab’s reply models this principle in real time. summary 2 Samuel 20:17 captures a pivotal moment where siege turns to conversation: a wise woman steps forward, verifies Joab’s identity, humbly asks to be heard, and Joab chooses to listen. The verse showcases God’s recurring pattern of using courageous, humble messengers to avert bloodshed and demonstrates the power of respectful dialogue rooted in truth. |
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