Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

David's Kingdom Faced Rebellion

As David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, a shocking crisis unfolded. A man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the tribe of Benjamin, blew a trumpet and shouted, "We have no share in David or any inheritance with Jesse's family. Every man should return to his own home!" His words sparked a sense of rebellion among the people of Israel, and many deserted King David to follow Sheba.

The men of Judah, however, remained loyal to their king from Jerusalem to the Jordan River. They refused to abandon David, even in the face of this growing uprising. Meanwhile, Amasa was tasked with gathering the men of Judah within three days; he failed to meet the deadline, and his delay would soon have tragic consequences.

David instructed Abishai, "Pursue Sheba, son of Bichri, so that he can't escape and do more harm than Absalom did." Joab's soldiers, along with other mighty warriors from Jerusalem, set out in pursuit of Sheba. Their destination was Gibeon, where they encountered Amasa on the road.

As Joab approached Amasa, he wore his war garment, complete with a sword at his side. The two men exchanged words: "Is everything all right, my brother?" Joab then took hold of Amasa's beard with one hand, ready to greet him warmly. But Amasa was oblivious to the danger lurking near his waist; in that moment, Joab struck him down with his sword, mortally wounding him.

One of Joab's companions stood nearby and proclaimed, "Whoever supports Joab and remains loyal to King David should join him." The soldier then carefully removed Amasa's body from the highway and placed it in a nearby field. Once Amasa was out of sight, the people followed Joab as he continued his pursuit of Sheba.

The journey took them through all twelve tribes of Israel, eventually leading them to Abel and Beth-maachah, where they laid siege on the city. The soldiers built a ramp against the wall, while others tried to break it down with brute force. Meanwhile, a wise woman from the city emerged to speak with Joab.

She approached him respectfully, saying, "I want to talk to you, Joab." He agreed to listen, and she began her plea: "Remember that anyone seeking wisdom used to go to Abel in times past. Now you're threatening to destroy this entire city and its people. Why would you do such a thing?" She reminded him of the Lord's inheritance and urged him to reconsider.

Joab listened intently as the woman argued that Sheba, son of Bichri from Mount Ephraim, had risen up against King David. If Joab brought back Sheba's head, she promised to release the city from its siege. Her words carried great weight, and eventually, the people cut off Sheba's head and cast it over the wall for Joab.

The army retreated, each soldier returning home as the trumpet sounded. Joab returned to Jerusalem, where he resumed his role as commander of Israel's forces. Benaiah son of Jehoiada oversaw the Cherethites and Pelethites, while Adoram managed the tribute collection. Other key officials included Sheva, recorder Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, priests Zadok and Abiathar, and chief leader Ira, a Jairite from David's inner circle.