20:14-16
Sheba continued his journey, and various men of Israel gathered together and followed him. This ended up with Joab and his army besieging Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. A siege ramp was built against the city. Now sieges could be terrible things, resulting in much death. Joab’s troops were battering the walls of the city to break them down. However, we meet another woman who had a positive effect. She is described as a wise woman. She knew how terrible sieges could be, and called for Joab to come and speak to her.
20:17-21
So Joab went towards the woman, and was ready to listen to the woman. Joab too knew how terrible sieges could be, including for the attacking army. The woman begins by pointing out that the place was a city of Israel, and a valued one. So surely it would be good to find a solution that did not involve destroying the city? Joab says that he has no wish to destroy the place, it is only Sheba tha he wants, for Sheba has rebelled against David. If the city handed Sheba over to them they would be happy and would leave the city alone. The woman agrees to hand over the head of Sheba. Clearly, she had some influence in the city. The people of the city agreed with the woman, and Sheba’s head was handed over, and the siege was ended.
20:23,24
The chapter ends with a list of various key officials for the final days of David’s reign. Joab was not back in charge of the army.
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