“Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.”
This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts the events surrounding a rebellion led by a man named Sheba, the son of Bichri. Sheba had rebelled against David’s rule as king of Israel, and this verse describes the resolution of that rebellion.
In the preceding verses, we learn that Sheba had taken refuge in a city called Abel Beth Maachah. David, concerned about the potential consequences of this rebellion, dispatched Joab, the commander of his army, to deal with the situation. Joab laid siege to the city, intending to capture Sheba and end the rebellion.
In verse 22, we see the role of a wise woman who is not named in the text. She is described as going to the people in her wisdom. Her wisdom and discernment are significant, as she takes the initiative to address the crisis and bring about a resolution. It’s possible that this woman was respected and had influence among the people, and her actions played a crucial part in resolving the situation peacefully.
The woman convinces the people to take decisive action against Sheba, resulting in his death. They cut off his head and throw it out to Joab. The act of cutting off the head symbolizes the end of Sheba’s rebellion and the removal of the threat he posed to David’s kingdom.
Following the resolution, Joab blows a trumpet, signaling victory, and the troops disperse, each returning to his own tent. Joab, having successfully dealt with the rebellion, returns to Jerusalem to report to King David.
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom, both in the actions of the unnamed woman and in the resolution of the rebellion. The wise woman’s intervention prevented further bloodshed and helped restore peace. It serves as a reminder that wisdom and discernment can bring about positive outcomes even in the midst of conflict.
Overall, this passage provides insights into the consequences of rebellion, the role of wisdom in resolving conflicts, and the importance of strong leadership in maintaining order. It also demonstrates the power of individuals to make a difference in challenging circumstances.
