A Mother in Israel

The rivalry between Israel and Judah quickly produced another revolt. Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite described as a wicked fellow, sounded the trumpet with a slogan that rejected David: no portion in David, no inheritance in the son of Jesse, every man to his tents. The northern tribes followed him, but Judah stayed with the king.

David feared Sheba might do more harm than Absalom. He ordered Amasa to gather Judah within three days, but Amasa delayed. Abishai was sent with Joab's men. At the great stone in Gibeon, Joab asked Amasa, Is it well with you, my brother? and then killed him. The man David had appointed was removed, and Joab resumed control by treachery, just as he had done with Abner.

Joab besieged Sheba in Abel of Beth Maacah. A wise woman called out from the city. She recalled the saying that people should ask counsel at Abel, described herself as peaceable and faithful in Israel, and asked why Joab would destroy a city and a mother in Israel and swallow up Yahweh's inheritance. Joab insisted he wanted only Sheba. The woman went to all the people in her wisdom, and they put Sheba to death. Joab blew the trumpet, and the siege ended. The chapter closes with a list of David's officials, showing order restored.