2 Samuel 20:1-26
20:1 Civil war conflicts are reignited by a man named Sheba. The tribes are only newly restored to David and Sheba rips them away. Sheba's tries to disassociate the tribes from David because of his humble beginnings. David is the son of Jesse, a farmer. This is classic case of evil underestimating the power, potential and worthiness of servant of God. After all, Jesus will be born through this family, a descendant of king David.
20:2 Except for the tribe of Judah, the tribes of Israel betray David once again. Their ingratitude and short-sighted nature is descriptive of humanity itself. A unifying theme within the Bible is God's unwavering faithfulness juxtaposed humanity's unfaithfulness. David has fought for and led the tribes of Israel selflessly since he was a child; it has not earned him loyalty from people. But if David were concerned about being valued by humans, rather than by God, he would not have succeeded over every barrier they consistently present.
20:3 David returns home and makes the decision not to reestablish romantic relationships with his wives. He respects them and cares for them but after Absalom's abuse, the women are not obligated or asked to recommit to David.
20:4-5 In the previous chapter, David appointed Absalom's former commander as commander of his army. He did so to please the tribes that have now abandoned him. David tells Amasa to assemble an army from the men of Judah and to return. Instead, Amasa lingers. But Amasa takes too long, either out of betrayal or ineptitude.
20:6-7 Fearing that Sheba will have time to create a strong defense, David begins another plan. He sends Joab's men, the Cherethites and Pelethites after Sheba.
20:8-10 When Joab crosses paths with Amasa, he pretends to greet him but kills Amasa with a sword (Joab is known for his quick and ruthless decisions). Joab and Abishai continue on to pursue Sheba.
20:11-13 One of Joab's soldiers moves Amasa off of the road and covers him. But despite his ruthless nature, Joab is able to lead and inspire his men. Made confident by Joab's confidence, they move forward against Sheba.
20:14 As Joab travels throughout the tribes, he adds to his army people who have remained loyal to David.
20:15-17 A wise woman calls out to speak with Joab.
20:18-19 The woman's plea if for Joab to spare the city of Abel from destruction. The woman tells that they will find Sheba and throw his head over the wall.
20:20-21 Joab agrees leave the city if the people within it help him to find Sheba.
20:22 The people indeed find and kill Sheba and Joab returns to Jerusalem.
20:23-26 The following are the men of David's government offices: Joab is reestablished as commander over all of the army of Israel; Benaiah is made commander over the Cherethites and Pelethites (other nations who became children of God through faith). Adoram over revenue, Jehoshaphat the recorder, Sheba the scribe, Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Ira the chief minister under David.
