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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:14-22

We have here the conclusion of Sheba's attempt. I. The rebel, when he had rambled over all the tribes of Israel, and found them not so willing, upon second thoughts, to follow him, as they had been upon a sudden provocation to desert David (having only picked up a few like himself, that sided with him), at length entered Abel-Beth-maacah, a strong city in the north, in the lot of Naphtali, where we find it placed, 2 Kgs. 15:29. Here he took shelter, whether by force or with consent does not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:16

Then cried a wise woman out of the city ,.... And such an one as the woman of Tekoah, supposed by some to be the governess of the city; but whoever she was, she well deserved the character of a wise woman; her conduct in this affair shows it: she cried with a loud voice, upon the wall of the city, to Joab's men, who were underneath battering it: hear, hear ; which she repeated to make them hear: say, I pray you, unto Joab, come near hither, that I may speak with thee ; tell your... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:14-26

The causes and remedies of religious strife. The facts are: 1 . Joab and his forces, pursuing Sheba till they came upon him in the city of Abel, lay siege to it. 2 . A wise woman of the city remonstrates with Joab for attacking the city, and refers to the fact that when Sheba with his armed followers threw themselves into the city, the people felt sure that when the pursuing foes came up they would open negotiations with the authorities, and so bring the conflict to an end. 3 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:15-22

( ABEL - BETH - MAACAH .) A peacemaker. "Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear! hear?" ( 2 Samuel 20:16 ). 1 . Hard pressed by the forces of Joab, Sheba threw himself into the fortified city of Abel-beth-Maachah (in the northwest extremity of Palestine). The feelings of its inhabitants toward him are not stated. But Joab soon appeared; and, without entering into any negotiations with them, made preparations for attack. "Taking advantage of an oblong knoll of natural... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 20:16

2 Samuel 20:16. Then cried a wise woman A woman of great understanding, who also could speak well. Many such there were in Israel, as appears by the woman of Tekoah, by Abigail, and the mother of Lemuel. It seems none of all the men of Abel offered to treat with Joab: no, not when they were reduced to extremity; but one wise woman saved the city. Souls know no difference of sex: many a manly heart is lodged in a female breast. Nor is the treasure of wisdom the less valuable for being lodged... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-26

Sheba’s revolt (20:1-26)With virtually the whole nation in a state of unrest, Sheba, a Benjaminite, seized the opportunity to try to lead the northern tribes to break away from David (20:1-2). Being anxious to re-establish his kingdom in Jerusalem, David did not leave the city but sent his new commander-in-chief Amasa to assemble the army and pursue Sheba (3-4).When Amasa was slow in assembling the army, David sent off his private army, the fighting force that had been with him since the days... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 20:16

hear . Repeated by Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 20:16-20

2 Samuel 20:16-20. Then cried a wise woman, &c.— As Joab pressed the siege with all earnestness, a wise woman, who probably was governess of the city, (an office, though generally filled by men, yet sometimes administered by women, such as Deborah, Athaliah, Judith, &c.) This wise woman from within called out over the walls, and desired to speak with him, in all the modesty and decency of language then in use: prefacing what she had to say with a short account of the reputation of... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 20:16

16. Then cried a wise woman—The appeal of this woman, who, like Deborah, was probably a judge or governess of the place, was a strong one. read more

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