The Wisdom of a Woman

 2 Samuel 20:14-26

Often, the wisdom of a woman is overlooked in our culture, but is that anything new?  And the short answer is no, from the time Eve got hoodwinked by Satan in the form of a serpent, men have been reluctant to seek the counsel of a woman.  And yet the Scriptures are full of very wise women that were used to save nations, give direction, and give wise counsel.

Sheba had passed through all the tribes of Israel, and he picked up many followers.  Now he arrived at the far north of the Kingdom, a place called Abel of Beth-maacah, and it is found about 30 miles north of the Sea of Galilee.  This is of interest, the young man left behind is telling those who had come with Amasa to follow Joab, not his brother Abishai whom David had put in charge.  It can only be assumed that Abishai has acquiesced leadership to his brother Joab.

Sheba is now inside a walled city with his men, when Joab’s troops surround the city and soon they began to cut off the essentials, food, water, and they built an assault ramp to come against the outer walls.  If you are inside the walls, you begin to wonder how safe are we?  If your family and friends are from the city, you are not happy that Sheba has caused you such pain. 

Sin in our lives is much like Sheba inside the walls of the city once it’s inside your walls it becomes apparent you have a problem.  It is the action you take at this point that decides the amount of pain that must be inflicted, for us, it’s called confession, not I’m sorry I got caught, and not a real sadness that you have allowed sin into your life.

I’m sure that when Sheba first showed up he was welcomed, but now even those who have left home to follow him are beginning to ask the question; what have I done?  And we have the account of what the Scripture calls a wise woman; we do not have her name but I will assure you the people of Abel of Beth-maacah knew her name well. 

All she did was ask to speak with Joab and I can assure you Joab approached the woman with caution.  I can only imagine Joab’s reluctance about this meeting, and I’m sure he took precautions to make sure it was not a setup.  Shall we continue the account in verses 17-22, “And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you, Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.”  

Now the great news is, if you find sin in your life, you must cut off its head, it has to die, or it will not only destroy you but others that you love.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice