2 Samuel 20:14-22
In a time of political turmoil and war, a single wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah changed the course of history. Her courage, intelligence, and diplomatic skills saved her city from destruction and demonstrated the power of wisdom in leadership. While her name is not recorded, her story leaves an unforgettable lesson: a wise woman can be a peacemaker, a leader, and a lifesaver.
1. A City in Crisis
2 Samuel 20:14 (ESV) – “And Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah, and all the Bichrites assembled and followed him in.”
The city of Abel Beth Maacah found itself in the middle of a crisis. Sheba, a rebel against King David, had taken refuge there. His rebellion had already divided Israel, and now his presence put the entire city at risk. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we are caught in conflicts we did not start but how we respond determines the outcome.
2. The Siege Begins
2 Samuel 20:15 (ESV) – “And all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah. They cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down.”
King David’s general, Joab, did not hesitate. He and his army prepared to destroy the city to capture Sheba. The people of Abel Beth Maacah were trapped—innocent citizens about to suffer for someone else’s wrongdoing. In desperate situations, will we allow fear to control us, or will we take action?
3. The Wise Woman Speaks Up
2 Samuel 20:16 (ESV) – “Then a wise woman called from the city, ‘Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”
In the midst of chaos, one woman stepped forward. Instead of waiting in fear, she took initiative. She called for Joab, demanding to speak with the leader of the army. This shows us the power of courageous women who use their voice to influence events. One wise woman can change the course of history.
4. A Reputation for Wisdom
2 Samuel 20:18 (ESV) – “Then she said, ‘They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter.’”
The woman reminded Joab that Abel Beth Maacah had always been known for wisdom and peace. She urged him to remember the city’s legacy. Instead of responding with emotion or panic, she appealed to reason and history. Wise women know how to speak in a way that persuades others to listen.
5. A Plea for Peace
2 Samuel 20:19 (ESV) – “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?”
The woman positioned herself as a protector of the city—a “mother in Israel.” She reminded Joab that destroying the city would mean harming innocent people. Her wisdom teaches us that true leadership seeks peace, not destruction.
6. A Strategy to Save the City
2 Samuel 20:21 (ESV) – “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.’”
Joab was not set on destruction; he only wanted Sheba. The woman had skillfully brought clarity to the situation. Instead of war, she found a way to resolve the problem peacefully. This reminds us that wisdom seeks solutions, not conflict.
7. Victory Through Wisdom
2 Samuel 20:22 (ESV) – “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.”
Her wisdom saved the entire city from destruction. Because she spoke up and acted decisively, a war was prevented, and innocent lives were spared. This shows us that one wise woman can save a whole generation.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, may we be inspired by this wise woman, whose name was forgotten by history, but whose actions saved an entire city.