What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:20? Far be it! Joab’s opening words ring with a decisive, heartfelt rejection of any charge of blood-guilt toward an innocent city. The expression is a recognized biblical way of saying, “Absolutely not!” (compare Genesis 44:17; Joshua 24:16; 1 Samuel 2:30). • By starting with this exclamation, Joab sets the tone of innocence and integrity. • He echoes earlier servants of God who refused unrighteous action, reminding the listeners—and us—that righteous men must distance themselves from evil plans (Psalm 119:101). • His words assure the wise woman of Abel that he respects God’s law against shedding innocent blood (Deuteronomy 19:10). Joab declared. The narrator underscores that the speaker is Joab, commander of Israel’s army (2 Samuel 10:9). • Joab’s rank gives weight to his promise; he possesses both the power to destroy and the discretion to spare (Proverbs 18:21). • Throughout David’s reign Joab often acted decisively in battle (2 Samuel 11:16-21; 18:14), yet here he pauses to explain himself—signaling that military authority must still submit to God’s standards (Psalm 33:16-18). • The declaration also models transparent leadership: he openly states his intentions, just as David did before Abigail (1 Samuel 25:32-34). Far be it from me With this repetition, Joab personalizes the vow and invokes moral accountability. • The phrase assumes God is witness; like Samuel’s “Far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23), Joab appeals to divine oversight. • He separates himself from wanton violence, reflecting the value God places on life (Genesis 9:6). • This statement builds trust with the townspeople, encouraging peaceful negotiation before force—a principle mirrored in Deuteronomy 20:10-12. to swallow up or destroy! Joab specifies what he rejects: large-scale devastation. • “Swallow up” pictures indiscriminate conquest (Jeremiah 51:34; Psalm 56:2). Joab disavows such brutality. • His real target is one rebel, Sheba son of Bichri (2 Samuel 20:21). • By clarifying his limited objective, Joab honors God’s concern for justice over vengeance (Proverbs 21:15; Isaiah 61:8). • The city now knows it can avert disaster by surrendering the guilty party—showing how truth can preserve communities (Proverbs 11:11). summary 2 Samuel 20:20 records Joab’s emphatic denial of any intent to massacre Abel. Each phrase moves from a broad rejection of evil to a precise assurance that only the rebel will be pursued. The verse teaches that godly leaders must: • distance themselves from unrighteous violence, • communicate intentions openly, and • pursue targeted justice that safeguards the innocent. Joab’s words, grounded in God’s unchanging standards, remind us that integrity and mercy are essential in every exercise of authority. |
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