The Revolt Crushed

Amasa’s body lay in the middle of the road.

Those following behind him recognized his body and questioned his death. Joab, therefore, placed one of his most loyal men beside the body to make it known that Amasa had been killed because he was guilty of treachery against David.

The army knew Amasa had led the forces of Absalom, and it was not difficult to suspect him of continued disloyalty. They were equally glad to welcome Joab back as their commander. Amasa’s body was moved off the road and covered so no further disturbance would arise from the following ranks. Forces were flocking to Sheba’s banner, and it would not be long before he would amass a formidable army. He retreated to Abel-beth-maachah, located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali (1 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:29).

The city had been fortified with a wall and moat, forcing Joab to lay siege to it. Fresh earth was piled into the ditch surrounding the town.

Once the earthen ramp was high enough, attacking forces would be brought forward to breach the wall and gain entrance to the city.

At this point in the siege, a wise woman called out from the city wall, seeking an audience with the commander of David’s army. Her city was about to become the scene of a slaughter of innocents. It did not seem right that many should die for the sake of one agitator.

Joab came forward and identified himself to the woman.

She asked, Why it is “thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?” (2 Samuel 20:19).

Joab stated he only wanted Sheba and would spare the city if the traitor were turned over to him. The woman replied, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall” (v. 21). The woman told her neighbors that if they would surrender Sheba, their town and the lives of its inhabitants would be spared. The citizens wasted no time in cutting off the head of the troublemaker and throwing it over the wall. Joab kept his end of the bargain.

He recalled the troops, and they dispersed.

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 24:6).