Sheba's Revolt and Its Suppression
2 Samuel 20:1-26
2 S.20.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נקרא: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בליעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימיני: ADJ,m,sg
- ויתקע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשפר: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בדוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- בבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאהליו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:10 (verbal): Absalom's conspiracy likewise uses the sounding of a trumpet to announce a rival king ('Absalom is king in Hebron'); parallels the use of a trumpet as the signal for open rebellion and proclamation of a new ruler.
- 1 Kings 12:16-19 (verbal): When the northern tribes secede under Jeroboam they ask, 'What portion do we have in David?,' language and sentiment closely echoing Sheba's 'We have no part in David' and the rejection of the Davidic house.
- 1 Samuel 10:27 (allusion): The derogatory label 'man/men of Belial' (ish/anshei beliyyaal) is used here and elsewhere (1 Sam 10:27) to mark worthless or rebellious figures who oppose the king—Sheba is introduced with the same epithet.
- 2 Samuel 19:41-43 (thematic): Earlier post-Absalom tensions between the northern tribes and Judah (sharp quarrel on David's return) provide the immediate social background for Sheba's uprising—both passages highlight intra‑Israelite division and resistance to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And there was there a worthless man, and his name was Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet and said, “We have no part in David, and we have no portion in the son of Jesse—every man to his tent, O Israel.”
- And there was a worthless man called Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew a trumpet and cried, “We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!”
2 S.20.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- דבקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- במלכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3,pl
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:10–13 (thematic): Earlier in the narrative the hearts of the men of Israel were turned to Absalom (they ‘followed’ him), providing a clear thematic contrast with 20:2 where Israel/ Judah rally around David and the king respectively.
- 2 Samuel 19:41–43 (allusion): These verses describe the quarrel and separation of the men of Israel and Judah at the Jordan, which contrasts with 20:2’s note that Judah ‘cleaved to their king from the Jordan to Jerusalem.’
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (structural): At David’s rise to power all the tribes of Israel came to him (to Hebron) to make him king—parallel language of ‘all Israel’ assembling around David.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38–40 (verbal): A chronicler’s account of men from both sides of the Jordan coming to David with a whole heart to make him king echoes 20:2’s geographic formula (‘from the Jordan… to Jerusalem’) and united support for David.
- 1 Kings 12:16–20 (thematic): The northern tribes’ rejection of Rehoboam and secession to Jeroboam illustrates the theme of national division and shifting loyalties between Israel and Judah found in the David/Absalom/Sheba episodes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the men of Israel went up from after David, following Sheba son of Bichri; and the men of Judah cleaved to their king from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.
- All the men of Israel went up after Sheba son of Bichri, and the men of Judah clung to their king from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
2 S.20.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלגשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הניח: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- לשמר: VERB,qal,inf
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויכלכלם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,suff-3mp
- ואליהם: CONJ+PREP,suff-3mp
- לא: PART_NEG
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ותהיינה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,pl
- צררות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חיות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 5:13–16 (structural): Like 2 Sam 20:3, this passage states that David took additional wives and concubines in Jerusalem, providing background for the royal harem that is later sequestered.
- 2 Samuel 12:7–8 (verbal): Nathan’s rebuke to David recalls God’s granting of a man’s house and wives to him—echoing the theme of royal wives/concubines and the moral complications of David’s sexual/political household arrangements.
- 2 Samuel 16:21–22 (thematic): Absalom’s public bedding of David’s concubines is the counterpoint to David’s secluding of his concubines in 2 Sam 20:3; both passages treat concubines as symbols of royal authority and succession.
- 1 Kings 2:13–25 (thematic): Adonijah’s request for Abishag (and Solomon’s lethal reaction) shows the later political significance of access to a king’s concubines as a claim to the throne, paralleling the protective/dispositional action in 2 Sam 20:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David came to his house at Jerusalem. And the king took the ten concubines whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in custody, and provided for them; and they were shut up unto the day of their death, living as widows.
- David returned to his house in Jerusalem. The king took the ten concubines whom he had left to keep the palace, and he set them apart in a house of confinement and provided for them; but he did not go in to them, and they were kept in widowhood until the day of their death.
2 S.20.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- עמשא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזעק: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- פה: ADV
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 20:10 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel/continuation: Amasa is instructed to muster the men of Judah for three days but soon after is killed by Joab (vv.9–10), showing the command’s failure and its violent outcome.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab’s pattern of seizing initiative and using deception/violence against rivals (here Abner’s murder) parallels the later episode in which Joab moves against Amasa when the muster does not occur.
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (thematic): Both verses foreground the 'men of Judah' as the core supporters/military constituency around David—mobilizing Judah’s forces is a recurring element in the Davidic narratives.
- Joshua 1:11 (structural): Both passages set a short deadline of 'three days' for preparation/movement of people/forces; Joshua’s three‑day notice for crossing Jordan functions similarly as an urgent mobilization order.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah within three days; be thou here.”
- And the king said to Amasa, “Summon to me the men of Judah within three days; and you be here.”
2 S.20.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עמשא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להזעיק: VERB,hif,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויוחר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- המועד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.20.8-10 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Amasa's failure to act at the appointed time leads to Joab's intervention and the violent resolution—directly connected to the delay mentioned in v.5.
- 2 Sam.17.25 (verbal): Earlier mention of Amasa (his identity and role) provides background to the same figure who is here sent to summon Judah; links person and office across the narrative.
- 1 Chron.12.27-40 (thematic): A collective roll of men who rallied to David from Judah and other tribes—parallels the mobilization of Judah called for in 2 Sam 20:5 (assembling tribal forces, mustering at an appointed place).
- Judg.20.11-13 (thematic): Account of tribal summons and mustering for civil conflict in Israel; echoes the procedural pattern of calling out Judah and arranging appointed rendezvous for military action, and the tensions that follow if coordination fails.
- 1 Sam.13.8-14 (allusion): Saul's failure to act appropriately at the appointed time (and its costly consequences) parallels the motif of delay in military/religious appointments and underscores the narrative significance of failing to meet an agreed time.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Amasa went to call Judah, but it delayed beyond the appointed time that had been set him.
- Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the appointed time.
2 S.20.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אבישי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- ירע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- מן: PREP
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ורדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- פן: CONJ
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בצרות: ADJ,ptc,pass,f,pl
- והציל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עיננו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam 20:1 (structural): Immediate context: the announcement of Sheba son of Bichri’s revolt that prompts David’s command to pursue (same episode—sets up the warning in v.6).
- 2 Sam 20:14-22 (structural): Continuation of the same narrative: Joab’s pursuit of Sheba, the siege of Abel-beth-maacah, and the capture/execution of Sheba—fulfillment of David’s concern that Sheba must be pursued so he not escape to towns.
- Num 35:9-15 (allusion): Legal background for the language about finding ‘cities’ of refuge: Numbers establishes designated asylum-towns, so David’s warning about Sheba finding ‘cities in his distress’ alludes to the refugee/asylum idea and its political implications.
- 2 Sam 15:13-14 (thematic): Earlier rebellion under Absalom: David’s experience with Absalom is the explicit point of comparison in v.6 (‘worse than Absalom’), and these verses show how internal revolt threatened the king’s rule and prestige.
- 1 Kings 12:16-20 (thematic): Example of a tribal secession leading to civil rupture and loss of royal authority (Rehoboam’s rejection and northern secession). The passage is thematically parallel in showing how internal dissent can split the kingdom and disgrace the ruling house—what David fears in v.6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Abishai, “Now will Sheba son of Bichri be worse for us than was Absalom. Take thy lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself cities of refuge and escape our notice.”
- Then David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will be worse for us than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape us.”
2 S.20.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והכרתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והפלתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הגברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לרדף: VERB,qal,inf
- אחרי: PREP
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 18:12-15 (thematic): Joab and David's commanders pursue a major rebel (Absalom); similar military chase led by Joab and his men, and Joab executes decisive violence against the rebel.
- 2 Samuel 20:10 (structural): Immediate narrative resolution to the pursuit in 20:7 — Joab besieges Abel, the city hands over Sheba, and Joab cuts off his head, showing the outcome of the pursuit.
- 2 Samuel 8:18 (verbal): Mentions the Kerethites (Cherethites) and Pelethites as part of David's military retinue — same groups named in 20:7 who go out with Joab.
- 1 Chronicles 18:17 (verbal): Parallel wording to 2 Samuel 8:18/20:7 that likewise identifies the Kerethites and Pelethites among David's forces or officers, confirming the recurring role of these units.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joab’s men, the Kerethites and Pelethites, and all the mighty men went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
- So the men of Joab, the Kerethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
2 S.20.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- האבן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הגדולה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועמשא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חגור: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,sg
- מדו: NOUN,m,sg,poss-3ms
- לבשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- ועליו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- חגור: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,sg
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצמדת: VERB,pi'el,ptc,3,f,sg
- על: PREP
- מתניו: NOUN,f,pl+PRON,3,m,sg
- בתערה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ותפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.20.10 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: Joab seizes and kills Amasa (the violent act begun in 20:8 is carried out in 20:10–12), including the deceptive embrace and stabbing.
- 2 Sam.3.27 (thematic): Joab's involvement in the treacherous killing of a rival commander (Abner) parallels his murder of Amasa; both incidents involve political assassination and Joab's readiness for violence.
- 2 Sam.17.25 (structural): Background parallel: Amasa is appointed commander of Absalom's forces in place of Joab, explaining the personal and political rivalry that leads to Amasa's later killing.
- 1 Kgs.2.5-6,31-34 (allusion): Solomon later punishes Joab for the murders of Abner and Amasa; this retrospective account links Joab's killing of Amasa (as in 20:8–10) with later royal retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- They were beside the great stone that is in Gibeon; and Amasa came before them. And Joab was girded with his armor; he had a sword strapped to his waist in its sheath, and as he went forth the sheath fell.
- They were at the great stone that is in Gibeon. Amasa came out to meet them; and Joab was girded with his gear, and had his sword girded upon his thigh in its scabbard; and as he went forward to meet Amasa, the scabbard slipped off.
2 S.20.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעמשא: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ותחז: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בזקן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמשא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנשק: PREP+INF,qal
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3:22-27 (structural): Joab uses a false peace/greeting to draw close and then murders Abner—same perpetrator, similar ruse and violent outcome as with Amasa.
- Matt.26:48-49 (thematic): Judas greets Jesus with a kiss as a signal of betrayal—parallel theme of a friendly greeting used to conceal treachery.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (allusion): David charges Solomon to deal with Joab for killing Abner and Amasa; later reflection on the consequences of Joab’s murders and his pattern of violence.
- Ps.55:12-14 (thematic): Complaint about betrayal by a close companion—echoes the theme of intimate greeting/brotherly address masking treachery.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joab said to Amasa, “Peace be to thee, my brother.” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
- Joab said to Amasa, “Peace to you, my brother.” And Joab took him by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
2 S.20.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועמשא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- נשמר: VERB,niphal,impf,1,c,pl
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- החמש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישפך: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מעיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבישי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (verbal): Joab murders Abner by striking him in the belly and causing a fatal wound—same perpetrator (Joab), same mode of killing (stab/wound to the abdomen) and similar political motive of eliminating a rival commander.
- 2 Samuel 2:23-24 (verbal): Asahel is struck in the stomach during a pursuit and dies (the blow ‘to the belly/fifth rib’); parallels the graphic abdominal wound and the motif of death in the course of military/political pursuit.
- 1 Kings 2:31-34 (thematic): Benaiah puts Joab to death on Solomon’s orders as retribution for Joab’s earlier murders; thematically mirrors cycles of politically motivated killings and eventual retributive justice for violent commanders.
- 2 Samuel 17:25 (structural): Identifies Amasa as the commander Absalom appointed in place of Joab—provides the backstory and political rivalry that explains why Joab and Abishai target Amasa in 2 Samuel 20:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Amasa paid no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand, and Joab thrust it into his belly so that his entrails gushed out to the ground; and Joab did not draw back the sword from his belly, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba.
- Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand; and Joab struck him with it into the belly, and the sword came out behind, and he did not draw it out; and Amasa fell down there and died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba son of Bichri.
2 S.20.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מנערי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביואב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומי: PRON,interr
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:22-27 (thematic): Joab and his men act as a faction against those aligned with David (here Seizing and killing Abner); parallels the Joab-supporter calling people to follow Joab rather than David.
- 1 Kings 1:5-7 (thematic): Joab's pattern of backing a rival claimant (here Adonijah) shows his readiness to field a faction against the Davidic succession—similar dynamics of choosing sides invoked in 2 Sam 20:11.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (structural): David’s later charge to Solomon to deal with Joab for his violent, partisan actions alludes to Joab’s history of opposing David’s interests—provides narrative consequence to the factionalism displayed in 2 Sam 20:11.
- 1 Chronicles 12:19-21 (thematic): Many men come to Hebron declaring loyalty to David ('we are thy bone and thy flesh') and join him—a counterpoint to the call in 2 Sam 20:11 for people to rally to Joab instead of David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And one of Joab’s young men stood by and said, “Whoever is for Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.”
- A young man of Joab’s men stood by and cried, “Whoever is for Joab and whoever is for David, follow Joab!”
2 S.20.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועמשא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתגלל: VERB,hitp,ptc,3,m,sg
- בדם: PREP
- בתוך: PREP
- המסלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עמשא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- המסלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- בגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ועמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (structural): Joab murders Abner—another extrajudicial killing by Joab of a rival commander; both scenes focus on a slain commander whose death provokes public reaction and political consequences.
- 2 Samuel 18:14–17 (structural): Joab personally despatches Absalom and the body is treated and exposed—parallel in Joab’s lethal intervention against a prominent military figure and the subsequent handling/display of the corpse.
- Judges 19:29–30 (thematic): The concubine’s corpse is left at the house threshold and her death triggers outrage—shared motif of a human body exposed in a public place producing communal response and shame.
- 1 Samuel 31:11–13 (thematic): Citizens recover the bodies of Saul and his sons from public disgrace, remove and bury them—similar action of bystanders taking charge of slain leaders’ bodies and covering/burying them.
- Luke 10:30–37 (thematic): The wounded man left on the road and varied responses of passersby—echoes the scene of a person found on the highway and the moral/social reactions of those who come upon him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Amasa lay rolled in his blood in the middle of the road. When the man saw that all the people stood still, he turned Amasa out of the road into the field and threw his cloak over him; and when all who came by saw it they stood aloof.
- Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the highway. The man saw that all the people were standing, so he pulled Amasa out of the highway into the field and threw a garment over him, for he saw that everyone passing by was standing still.
2 S.20.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כאשר: CONJ
- הגה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- המסלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרדף: VERB,qal,inf
- אחרי: PREP
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
Parallels
- 2 Sam.20.2 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Joab (with Abishai and the king’s men) pursues Sheba — same action and participants repeated earlier in the chapter.
- 2 Sam.20.10 (structural): Close narrative parallel within the Sheba episode: Joab’s violent handling of Amasa during the pursuit — shows the same pattern of Joab using force to secure pursuit and command.
- 2 Sam.18.14-15 (thematic): Joab’s pursuit and decisive killing of Absalom — thematically similar (Joab in hot pursuit of a rebel/insurgent and taking lethal action to end the revolt).
- Judg.9.53-54 (thematic): A woman’s action against a rebel leader during a siege (the millstone that kills Abimelech) — thematically parallels the later resolution at Abel where townsfolk/women put an end to Sheba to spare the city.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when Joab passed from the road, all the men followed Joab in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.
- When he had gone out from the highway, all the men went after Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
2 S.20.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבלה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מעכה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הברים: PART,qal,ptcp,act,m,pl,def
- ויקהלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אף: ADV
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam 20:1 (structural): Immediate narrative context: introduces Sheba's rebellion and the mobilization of men of Israel that the verse describes—same event and movement through the tribes.
- 2 Sam 15:4-6 (thematic): Absalom's practice of presenting himself to the people and ‘stealing the hearts of the men of Israel’—a parallel pattern of a leader moving among Israel’s tribes and drawing followers.
- 1 Kings 12:16-17 (thematic): All Israel rebels against Rehoboam and assembles apart from Judah—another instance of the tribes collectively assembling and shifting allegiance.
- Judges 9:4 (thematic): Abimelech secures the support of his mother's kinsmen and the men of Shechem—an example of a local leader moving to gather tribal/city backing similar to the recruitment described in 2 Samuel 20:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and to Beth-maachah and to all the coasts; and they gathered themselves together and came to him.
- They passed through all the tribes of Israel — Abel of Beth-maachah and all the Berothites — and they gathered together and came after him.
2 S.20.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויצרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- באבלה: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המעכה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,def
- וישפכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- סללה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותעמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- את: PRT,acc
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחיתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- להפיל: VERB,hif,inf
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Sam.20.21-22 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: the city’s inhabitants behead Sheba (or secure his head) and cast it to Joab to end the siege—same motif of killing the rebel and presenting the head to the commander.
- 2 Sam.4.6-12 (verbal): A closely related motif of political assassination: captors cut off Ish-bosheth’s head and bring it to David. Verbal and narrative parallel in the presentation of a decapitated head to a leading Israelite figure.
- Judg.9.45-49 (esp. 46-49, 53) (thematic): The siege and destruction of Shechem under Abimelech: internal betrayal, violent urban assault, and a woman’s decisive role in the city’s downfall (a woman causes Abimelech’s death). The passage echoes themes of siege, civic treachery, and female agency in ending a crisis.
- 2 Sam.12.29-31 (thematic): David’s campaign against Rabbah (Joab’s operations to take a fortified city) provides a broader military parallel: Israelite siege operations under David/Joab and the harsh treatment of conquered cities, illustrating similar siegecraft and command dynamics.
Alternative generated candidates
- They besieged him at Abel Beth-maachah and cast down a piece of the wall in order to overthrow it. All the people who were with Joab labored to break down the wall.
- They came and besieged him at Abel of Beth-maachah; they undermined a piece of the wall toward the city, and all the people that were with Joab worked to throw down the wall.
2 S.20.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותקרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נא: PART
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- הנה: PART
- ואדברה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Sam.14:1-20 (structural): Joab arranges for a 'wise woman' (the woman of Tekoa) to approach the king and speak on a delicate political/familial matter—same narrative device of a shrewd woman used to influence a leader.
- 1Sam.25:14-31 (thematic): Abigail the wise woman intervenes with prudent speech to appease David and avert bloodshed—parallel theme of a woman using words to restrain violence and sway a military leader.
- Prov.14:1 (thematic): Proverbial saying about the 'wise woman' who builds her house contrasts wisdom and folly in women's speech and action, echoing the positive social role of wise women in crisis.
- Prov.31:26 (verbal): ‘She opens her mouth with wisdom’—a verbal/schematic parallel emphasizing the motif of a woman speaking wise, persuasive words in public or to leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then a wise woman out of the city cried to Joab, “Hear, hear,” and he drew near to her.
- Then a wise woman from the city cried out, “Hear, hear!” and said, “Please say to Joab, ‘Come near, that I may speak with you.’”
2 S.20.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- האתה: PRON,2,m,sg,interr
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אמתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2Samuel 14:2–17 (structural): Joab arranges for a wise woman to address the king and present a persuasive speech to resolve a political/familial crisis—parallel role of a female mediator commissioned to speak and influence a military/political leader.
- 1Samuel 25:18–35 (thematic): Abigail meets David, humbly intercedes and asks him to hear her words to avert bloodshed; similar motif of a woman approaching a military leader and persuading him to desist.
- Judges 9:52–55 (thematic): During the siege of Thebez a woman from the city brings the assault to an end (kills Abimelech with a millstone); parallels the decisive contribution of a city woman in ending a siege/rebellion.
- 2Kings 5:2–3 (thematic): An Israelite captive girl (a womanservant) initiates action by informing her mistress about Elisha—another instance of a woman/servant whose speech sets in motion events that resolve a crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” And she said, “Hear the words of your handmaid.” He replied, “I am listening.”
- Joab came near to her, and she said, “Are you Joab?” He said, “I am.” Then she said, “Hear the words of your handmaiden.” He said, “I am listening.”
2 S.20.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידברו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בראשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שאל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישאלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- באבל: PREP
- וכן: ADV
- התמו: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 14:1-20 (structural): Another episode featuring a 'wise woman' (of Tekoa) who speaks to the king and shapes political outcome by skillful speech—structurally parallel to the wise woman's role in 2 Sam 20.
- 1 Samuel 25:18-31 (thematic): Abigail acts as a prudent woman who intervenes with persuasive speech to avert bloodshed and secure peace—themically similar to the woman of Abel negotiating to stop Joab.
- Judges 9:50-57 (thematic): The accounts of sieges and decisive female intervention (e.g., the woman of Thebez who throws a millstone) parallel the motif of women influencing the outcome of urban conflict.
- Proverbs 31:26 (thematic): Portrays the ideal of a woman whose words are wise and discerning—echoing the emphasis on a woman's speech as politically and morally consequential in 2 Sam 20:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And she said, “Formerly they used to speak, saying, ‘Let them consult at Abel,’ and thus the matter was settled.
- She said, “I will speak; let my words be at the outset. The people said, ‘Let them consult at Abel,’ and so the matter was decided.”
2 S.20.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- שלמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמוני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- להמית: VERB,hiphil,inf
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למה: ADV
- תבלע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 14:1-24 (thematic): A wise woman (of Tekoa) pleads with the king using maternal imagery to avert bloodshed and preserve family/people. Both passages feature a woman confronting leaders to prevent destruction of kin and appeal to mercy for Israel’s people.
- Judges 9:45-57 (thematic): Account of Abimelech’s destruction of Shechem and its inhabitants. The motif of a leader or insurgent seeking to annihilate a city and its people parallels the woman’s accusation that Joab (and Sheba’s rebellion) would ‘swallow up’ the LORD’s inheritance.
- Ezekiel 36:19-23 (allusion): Ezekiel laments the scattering and profaning of Israel (God’s possession) among the nations and insists on restoration/defense of the LORD’s heritage. The concern for the people as YHWH’s inheritance echoes the charge in 2 Sam 20:19 against destroying God’s portion.
- Psalm 74:1-3 (thematic): A communal lament over enemies who have damaged God’s sanctuary and threatened the people’s existence. The psalm’s protest against devastating forces that assault what belongs to the LORD parallels the woman’s cry to spare Israel, the LORD’s inheritance.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am a woman of peace and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel—why would you swallow up the heritage of the LORD?”
- “I am a woman of peace, faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel; why would you swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?”
2 S.20.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חלילה: INTJ
- חלילה: INTJ
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אם: CONJ
- אבלע: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- אשחית: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:6 (verbal): David uses the same emphatic denial (“far be it/God forbid”) to refuse harming the LORD’s anointed, paralleling Joab’s strong repudiation of doing the deed.
- 1 Samuel 26:11 (verbal): Again David emphatically rejects violence against Saul with the formula “Far be it from me,” matching Joab’s categorical refusal and the oath-like language.
- Romans 6:2 (verbal): Paul’s Greek formula μη γένοιτο (“God forbid/May it never be”) functions as the New Testament equivalent of the emphatic denial found in 2 Sam 20:20, showing the same rhetorical device of strong repudiation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it from me to do this!”
- And Joab answered, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow it up or destroy it.”
2 S.20.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- כן: ADV
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהר: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בדוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואלכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- מעל: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- משלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בעד: PREP
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 4:8-12 (verbal): Murder of a rival king (Ish-bosheth) and presentation of his head to David as proof — parallels Sheba’s fate and the motif of a head delivered to the royal camp.
- Judges 9:50-54 (thematic): A woman of the city (Thebez) brings about the death of a usurper (Abimelech) by throwing a millstone from a tower — parallels the woman of Abel’s role in ending a rebel and the motif of a woman acting decisively from the city wall.
- Judges 9:1-6 (thematic): Abimelech’s revolt — internal factional uprising led by an Israelite against established rule parallels Sheba son of Bichri’s Ephraimite rebellion against David.
- 2 Kings 9:30-37 (structural): Jezebel’s violent removal and the public display of her fate (thrown down, blood on the wall) — parallels the violent suppression of a leader and the use of the body/head as confirmation of the end of a usurper.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the woman said, “Not so; there is a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, whose name is Sheba son of Bichri; he has lifted up his hand against the king, David. Deliver him to me, and I will drive everyone out from the city.”
- He said, “Not so; but the matter is because a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name is Sheba son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against the king David. Give him over, and I will withdraw from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”
2 S.20.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבוא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחכמתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,f,sg
- ויכרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- וישלכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יואב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתקע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשופר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מעל: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאהליו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 4:6-12 (verbal): Both passages feature the beheading of a rebel/claimant and the presentation of the severed head to a military leader or king (cutting off the head and delivering it as proof of the deed).
- Judges 9:53-54 (thematic): A woman in a besieged city acts decisively to bring about the death of a rebel leader (Abimelech), paralleling the ‘wise woman’ of Abel who secures Sheba’s execution and the city’s safety.
- 1 Samuel 25:39-42 (thematic): A wise woman (Abigail) intervenes with prudent words and actions to avert bloodshed and secure peace—parallel to the woman of Abel whose wisdom defuses the siege and restores order.
- Judges 7:22 (structural): Use of a trumpet (rams' horns/trumpets) as a signal that precipitates the enemy’s rout or dispersal; Joab’s trumpet leads the people to disperse, similar to Gideon’s trumpet-induced collapse of the enemy.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the woman went in among the people with wisdom; and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the trumpet, and they withdrew from the city, every man to his tent. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
- So the woman went in to all the people with her wisdom; they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and the men dispersed from the city, each to his tent; and Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
2 S.20.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניה: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,pos3ms
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- הכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- הפלתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 8:18 (verbal): Same designation of Joab as commander of Israel’s army (“Joab was over the host”), a near‑parallel summary of military offices in David’s reign.
- 1 Chronicles 18:17 (structural): Chronicles’ retelling of the same material likewise names Joab as commander of the army and parallels the distribution of high offices under David.
- 1 Kings 2:35 (structural): Solomon’s later appointment of Benaiah (son of Jehoiada) as commander of the army echoes Benaiah’s established military leadership reflected in 2 Sam 20:23.
- 1 Kings 1:38–40 (allusion): Narrates Benaiah’s role in bringing Solomon to be anointed and includes the Cherethites and Pelethites who serve as the royal troop commanded by Benaiah in 2 Samuel 20:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites.
- Joab was over all the army of Israel, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the Kerethites and over the Pelethites.
2 S.20.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואדרם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- המס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויהושפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחילוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המזכיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Sam.8.16 (verbal): Same wording and office: “Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder,” attesting the same official earlier in David’s reign.
- 1 Chron.18.15 (verbal): Parallel entry in Chronicles repeating the administrative note that Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud served as recorder.
- 1 Kings 4.6 (verbal): Solomon’s administration lists Adoniram (Adoram) “over the forced labor,” paralleling the role of Adoram in David’s household.
- 2 Sam.20.23 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse enumerates the same officials (Adoram over the levy and Jehoshaphat the recorder), of which v.24 is a continuation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Adoram was over the levy, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder.
- Adoram was over the levy, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder.
2 S.20.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדוק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואביתר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 8:17 (verbal): Lists Zadok (and another priest) as one of David’s priests — a close administrative/priestly parallel to the naming of Zadok and Abiathar in 2 Samuel 20:25.
- 1 Chronicles 18:16 (verbal): Chronicles repeats the Davidic administrative list that includes the chief priests (Zadok and colleagues), paralleling the priestly names recorded in 2 Samuel 20:25.
- 1 Samuel 22:20–23 (allusion): Reports Abiathar (son of Ahimelech) joining David after the massacre at Nob, providing background for Abiathar’s role among David’s priests as named in 2 Samuel 20:25.
- 1 Kings 1:7, 1:32–40 (thematic): Describes Zadok and Abiathar functioning as the principal priests in the royal court at the transition from David to Solomon (including Solomon’s anointing), reflecting the same priestly roles implied by their listing in 2 Samuel 20:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Shavsha was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests.
- Shavsha was the scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests.
2 S.20.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- עירא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היארי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Sam.8.17 (thematic): Mentions priests associated with David (Zadok and Ahimelech/Abiathar), showing the established role of priests serving the king—parallel in function to Ira the Jairite as David’s priest.
- 1Sam.22.20-23 (thematic): Records Abiathar fleeing to and becoming a priest to David; parallels the motif of priests attached to David’s household and political-religious support for the king.
- 2Sam.23.39 (verbal): Contains a different individual named Ira (Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite) listed among David’s mighty men. Verbal/name parallel: the appearance of the name Ira within David’s circle.
- 1Chr.11.41 (verbal): Parallel list to 2 Samuel 23:39 (Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite). Reinforces the presence of an Ira connected to David in the chronicler’s tradition, offering a nominal parallel to Ira the Jairite.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ira the Jairite was also David’s priest.
- Also Ira the Jairite was a priest to David.
And there was a worthless man called Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew a trumpet and said, "We have no part in David, no share in the son of Jesse; to your tents, O Israel!" And all the men of Israel went up from after David, following Sheba son of Bichri; but the men of Judah clung to their king, from the Jordan to Jerusalem. And David came to his house in Jerusalem. Then the king took the ten concubines whom he had set aside to keep the house, and he put them in custody and provided for them; but he did not go in to them, and they were kept in widowhood until the day of their death. And the king said to Amasa, "Call to me the men of Judah within three days; be here yourself." So Amasa went to call Judah, but he delayed beyond the appointed time that was set him. And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba son of Bichri will do us harm as did Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape our sight."
Then the men of Joab, the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
They were at the great stone that is in Gibeon; and Amasa came before them. Joab was girded with his armor, and he had a sword girded on his thigh, in its sheath; and as he went forward it fell. And Joab said to Amasa, "Peace to you, my brother!" And Joab took him by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not take heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand; and Joab thrust it into him so that it went through his belly, and his entrails spilled to the ground; and he did not draw back the sword from his belly. He died. And Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba son of Bichri.
Then one of Joab's young men stood by and said, "Whoever is for Joab, and whoever is for David, follow Joab!" And Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the highway. When the man saw that all the people were standing still, he took Amasa by the beard and dragged him out of the highway into the field and cast a garment over him; and all who passed by stood.
As soon as he was removed from the highway, every man went after Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
They marched through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and to Beth-maachah; and all the mighty men gathered themselves and came there also.
They came and encamped against Abel Beth-maachah, and they cast up a siege-mound against the city and fought to throw down the wall; all the people that were with Joab exerted themselves to make a breach in the wall.
Then a wise woman from the city cried out, "Hear! Hear!" and called to Joab, "Come near, and let me speak to you." And he came near to her, and she said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." She said to him, "Hear the words of peace." He said, "I am listening."
She said, "Formerly people would speak in times past, saying, 'Let them ask counsel at Abel,' and so it was settled.
I am a peaceful woman and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel—why would you swallow up the heritage of the LORD?" And Joab answered, "Far be it from me—far be it!—that I should swallow up or destroy." But Joab continued, "Not so; for a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against the king, David. Give him up, and I will depart from the city." And the woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall." So the woman went to all the people with her wisdom; and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. Then he blew the trumpet, and the people withdrew from the city, every man to his tent; and Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
Joab was over all the army of Israel, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites.
Adoram was over the levy, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder.
Shavsha was the scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests. And Ira the Jairite was also a priest to David.