“Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.”
Context:2 Samuel 20:16 is part of a larger narrative that describes a rebellion against King David led by a man named Sheba, the son of Bichri. Sheba had stirred up dissent among the Israelites, and David’s general, Joab, was sent to pursue and capture Sheba. During this pursuit, Joab came to the city of Abel Beth Maachah, where Sheba had taken refuge. The wise woman from the city played a significant role in resolving the conflict.
The Wisdom of a Woman:The wise woman from Abel Beth Maachah demonstrates wisdom and courage by addressing Joab. In a time when women’s voices were often marginalised, her intervention proves that wisdom is not limited by gender or societal expectations. This serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or gender, to accomplish His purposes.
Effective Communication:The wise woman’s cry for Joab to come near indicates her intention to negotiate and seek a peaceful resolution. Effective communication plays a vital role in conflict resolution and problem‑solving. Her initiative to speak with Joab shows the value of open dialogue and the potential for peaceful resolution through understanding and dialogue.
Seeking Peace:By calling out to Joab, the wise woman demonstrates her desire for peace and preservation of her city. Her actions serve as an example of seeking peace over further conflict and bloodshed. As followers of God, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to pursue reconciliation whenever possible (Romans 12:18). This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking peace in our relationships and communities.
The Power of Influence:The wise woman’s ability to influence Joab’s decision to listen to her showcases the power of influence. Although Joab was a mighty warrior and commander, he recognised the wisdom in the woman’s words and decided to heed her call. This highlights the importance of wise counsel and the impact individuals can have on others through their words and actions.
God’s Provision of Wisdom:The presence of the wise woman and her ability to address Joab at a crucial moment serves as a reminder of God’s providence and guidance. In difficult times or situations, God can provide wisdom and insight through unexpected sources. This verse encourages us to remain open to God’s leading and to recognise that His wisdom can come from unexpected places.
Application:
- Seek wisdom and be open to God’s leading:Just as the wise woman demonstrated wisdom in her actions, we should seek wisdom from God and be open to His leading in our lives. God can guide us through challenging situations and provide us with the insight we need to make the right decisions.
- Value effective communication:The wise woman’s cry to Joab emphasises the importance of effective communication. In our relationships and conflicts, we should strive to communicate effectively, seeking to understand others and work towards peaceful resolutions.
- Be a peacemaker:The wise woman’s desire for peace encourages us to be peacemakers in our own lives. We should actively seek peace, pursue reconciliation, and work towards resolving conflicts in a peaceful and constructive manner.
- Recognise the power of influence:The wise woman’s influence on Joab reminds us of the impact we can have on others. We should exercise our influence wisely and responsibly.
- God’s providence: The presence of the wise woman …
God’s providence:The presence of the wise woman in the story reminds us that divine guidance often comes through unexpected channels, encouraging us to remain attentive to God’s subtle directions.
In summary, this study highlights how wisdom, communication, peace‑seeking, influence, and divine provision intertwine within the narrative, offering timeless principles for personal growth and spiritual maturity.
