“And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.”
Context:2 Samuel 20 recounts an incident that occurred after the death of Absalom, who had rebelled against King David. Sheba, the son of Bichri, took advantage of the instability in Israel and rallied people to rebel against David’s rule. This verse describes the response of Joab, the commander of David’s army, and his forces as they set out to pursue Sheba.
Key Points:
- Pursuing Sheba:Sheba had incited rebellion against King David, so Joab, along with his men (referred to as “Joab’s men” in the verse), the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went out of Jerusalem to pursue and capture Sheba. The Cherethites and Pelethites were likely specialised groups within David’s army.
- Joab’s mighty men:The verse mentions that all the mighty men accompanied Joab on this pursuit. These mighty men were renowned warriors who had demonstrated great valour and loyalty to David. They were known for their military prowess and played a crucial role in protecting the kingdom and carrying out David’s commands.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Loyalty and Unity:The response of Joab’s men, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites highlights the importance of loyalty and unity. Despite the rebellion, they stood with David, their king, and took action to pursue the one who sought to undermine his authority. As believers, we can learn from their example and recognise the significance of loyalty to God and His appointed leaders, as well as the unity of purpose within the body of Christ.
- Vigilance against Rebellion:Sheba’s rebellion serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of rebellion, both in earthly kingdoms and spiritually. It is essential for us to guard against rebellious attitudes or actions that can lead us away from God’s plan and purposes for our lives. We should be vigilant and ready to confront and overcome any form of rebellion against God’s authority in our lives.
- Courage in Pursuit of God’s Will:Joab and his mighty men demonstrated courage as they pursued Sheba. Similarly, as followers of God, we may face challenges or opposition when pursuing His will. This verse encourages us to be courageous and resolute in pursuing righteousness and obedience to God’s commands, even when faced with obstacles.
Overall, 2 Samuel 20:7 reminds us of the importance of loyalty, unity, vigilance against rebellion, and courage in pursuing God’s will. It highlights the response of Joab and his mighty men in taking action to restore order and maintain David’s rule, providing valuable spiritual lessons for us today.
