This verse demonstrates how a single act of wisdom can save a city.
“Then he approached her, and the woman said, ‘Are you Joab?’ And he answered, ‘I am.’ Then she said to him, ‘Listen to the words of your maidservant.’ And he answered, ‘I am listening.’” (2 Samuel 20:17)
In this passage, Joab, the commander of King David’s army, comes face-to-face with a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth-maacah during the rebellion of Sheba the son of Bichri, who tried to lead Israel away from David’s rule after the revolt of Absalom. Joab lived during King David’s reign (approximately 1010 BC - 970 BC), serving as a fearsome and shrewd military leader. Here, he marches north in pursuit of Sheba and is prepared to besiege the city unless the inhabitants surrender the rebel. The woman initiates this conversation to avert destruction, calling out from the walls and summoning Joab for dialogue. By asking “Are you Joab?” she directly identifies him to confirm that she is speaking with the one who has authority to spare or destroy her people.
When Joab confirms his identity, the woman addresses him as “your maidservant,” an expression of humility that shows her readiness to negotiate peace on behalf of her city. Joab’s willingness to listen—“I am listening”—reveals that even such a formidable warrior would pause and give ear to wisdom. Geographically, Abel Beth-maacah lay in Israel’s northern territory, a strategic location subject to warfare at the border. The entire conversation highlights a recurring biblical theme: God often uses unexpected messengers—like a wise woman—to bring about peace, echoing Jesus’ teaching on seeking reconciliation (Matthew 5:9).
The verse underscores that decisive events and dramatic showdowns in Israel’s history could hinge on small conversations and acts of wisdom. Joab, despite his reputation for swift and sometimes ruthless military interventions, here takes a moment to confer before taking action—reflecting that listening and the pursuit of peace can turn the tide of conflict.
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2 Samuel 20:17 meaning
“Then he approached her, and the woman said, ‘Are you Joab?’ And he answered, ‘I am.’ Then she said to him, ‘Listen to the words of your maidservant.’ And he answered, ‘I am listening.’” (2 Samuel 20:17)
In this passage, Joab, the commander of King David’s army, comes face-to-face with a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth-maacah during the rebellion of Sheba the son of Bichri, who tried to lead Israel away from David’s rule after the revolt of Absalom. Joab lived during King David’s reign (approximately 1010 BC - 970 BC), serving as a fearsome and shrewd military leader. Here, he marches north in pursuit of Sheba and is prepared to besiege the city unless the inhabitants surrender the rebel. The woman initiates this conversation to avert destruction, calling out from the walls and summoning Joab for dialogue. By asking “Are you Joab?” she directly identifies him to confirm that she is speaking with the one who has authority to spare or destroy her people.
When Joab confirms his identity, the woman addresses him as “your maidservant,” an expression of humility that shows her readiness to negotiate peace on behalf of her city. Joab’s willingness to listen—“I am listening”—reveals that even such a formidable warrior would pause and give ear to wisdom. Geographically, Abel Beth-maacah lay in Israel’s northern territory, a strategic location subject to warfare at the border. The entire conversation highlights a recurring biblical theme: God often uses unexpected messengers—like a wise woman—to bring about peace, echoing Jesus’ teaching on seeking reconciliation (Matthew 5:9).
The verse underscores that decisive events and dramatic showdowns in Israel’s history could hinge on small conversations and acts of wisdom. Joab, despite his reputation for swift and sometimes ruthless military interventions, here takes a moment to confer before taking action—reflecting that listening and the pursuit of peace can turn the tide of conflict.