What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:18? An unexpected spokeswoman • 2 Samuel 20:16–17 presents a “wise woman” who calls out to Joab from the walls of Abel. Scripture repeatedly highlights God-fearing women who step into crisis moments—think of Abigail averting bloodshed in 1 Samuel 25:18–32, or the prophetess Deborah guiding Israel in Judges 4:4–6. • Her first words, “Then the woman said…,” show that true wisdom is not confined to rank or gender but to those whom God equips (Proverbs 1:20–23; 31:26). • Joab pauses to listen, fulfilling Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” A reminder of ancient wisdom • “Long ago they used to say…” implies a well-known proverb that has faded from memory—much like Jeremiah 6:16 urges, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths.” • Israel had been taught to remember and preserve godly traditions (Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalm 78:2–4). Forgetting them leads to conflict; recalling them paves the way to peace. Abel as a center of wise counsel • “Seek counsel at Abel” points to Abel Beth-maacah’s reputation as a town where equitable judgments were made, similar to Moses judging the people in Exodus 18:13–26 or Samuel at Ramah in 1 Samuel 7:16–17. • Cities could serve as spiritual and judicial hubs—compare 1 Kings 4:34 where “people from all nations came to hear Solomon’s wisdom.” Abel evidently held such status in northern Israel, so inhabitants expected negotiation before violence. • The woman leans on that legacy, trusting Proverbs 19:20, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” The goal: peaceful resolution • “…and that is how disputes were settled.” God’s law favors mediation over bloodshed (Deuteronomy 19:11–13 contrasts just handling of guilt with unnecessary violence). • The woman’s appeal echoes Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and Romans 12:18, “If it is possible…live at peace with everyone.” • Her words remind Joab that siege and destruction would violate Israel’s heritage of righteous arbitration. Joab concedes (2 Samuel 20:20-22), sparing the city—evidence that God honors peaceful counsel. summary The wise woman of Abel invokes an old proverb to halt Joab’s assault: people once trusted Abel as a place of sound judgment, so any dispute should first be brought there for resolution. By recalling Israel’s heritage of seeking godly counsel, she persuades Joab to pursue peace rather than violence, demonstrating that honoring long-standing, God-given wisdom still averts bloodshed and upholds righteousness. |
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