2 Samuel 20 15

2 Samuel 20:15 kjv

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

2 Samuel 20:15 nkjv

Then they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maachah; and they cast up a siege mound against the city, and it stood by the rampart. And all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down.

2 Samuel 20:15 niv

All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down,

2 Samuel 20:15 esv

And all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah. They cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down.

2 Samuel 20:15 nlt

When Joab's forces arrived, they attacked Abel-beth-maacah. They built a siege ramp against the town's fortifications and began battering down the wall.

2 Samuel 20 verses

2 Samuel 20 15 Meaning

2 Samuel 20:15 describes the direct and decisive military action taken by David's forces, led by Joab, against the rebel Sheba, son of Bichri. After a swift pursuit, the army corners Sheba in the fortified northern city of Abel of Beth-maachah. The verse details the immediate onset of the siege: a siege mound, a massive earthen ramp, is constructed against the city's outer wall to provide access. Simultaneously, Joab's unified and determined army actively works to demolish the wall, demonstrating their commitment to crushing the rebellion by any means necessary, culminating their relentless pursuit.

2 Samuel 20 15 Context

The verse is situated in the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion and David's tumultuous return to Jerusalem. Following Absalom's defeat, a new threat arises: Sheba, a Benjaminite, instigates another widespread rebellion against King David, crying, "We have no portion in David, and no inheritance in the son of Jesse! Every man to his tents, O Israel!" (2 Sam 20:1). David, upon returning to Jerusalem, deals with various political matters, including assigning Joab to pursue Sheba after Amasa, the newly appointed general, failed to rally the troops quickly enough and was then treacherously murdered by Joab. Joab assumes command again and leads a large royal army, determined to suppress Sheba's rebellion decisively. The pursuit leads them northwards to Abel of Beth-maachah, a strategic city in the northern tribal territory, where Sheba has sought refuge. This verse sets the scene for a direct military confrontation, underscoring the urgency and ferocity with which the royal forces seek to end the revolt and reestablish David's undisputed authority over all Israel.

2 Samuel 20 15 Word analysis

• So they came: (Hebrew: wayyaboʾu - וַיָּבֹאוּ). This phrase implies a swift, successful culmination of the pursuit, bringing the army directly to its objective. It signifies determined action and effective military logistics, following Joab's quick gathering and leading of the forces.
• and besieged him: (Hebrew: wayyaṣūru ʿālāw - וַיָּצֻרוּ עָלָיו). The verb ṣur (צור) means "to bind," "to confine," or "to distress," hence "to besiege." This immediately establishes the nature of the confrontation – an encirclement meant to trap and overpower the rebel leader, Sheba. It indicates a complete investment of the city by Joab's army.
• in Abel of Beth-maachah: (Hebrew: bĕʾābēl bēṯ-maʿăḵāh - בְּאָבֵל בֵּית־מַעֲכָה). This city in northern Israel, near the border with Syria, was strategically significant due to its fortifications and location. It served as a final refuge for Sheba, perhaps indicating a belief that its strength or distance from Jerusalem would offer protection. It is later described as a "mother in Israel" (v.19), suggesting its importance and venerable status.
• and they cast up a siege mound: (Hebrew: wayyašlīḵū so(w)l(ĕ)lâ - וַיַּשְׁלִיכוּ סֹלְלָה). The verb šālak (שָׁלַךְ) here means "to build up," or "to throw up" materials. Solelâh (סֹלְלָה) refers to a "siege mound," an earthen ramp or causeway built against the city wall to elevate attackers to wall-height, allow the deployment of siege engines, or create a breach. This detail illustrates a common, highly organized, and strenuous ancient Near Eastern siege tactic.
• against the city: Direct target of the siege work, emphasizing the methodical approach to breaching the defenses.
• and it stood against the outer wall: This precise placement of the solelah shows the strategic planning. "Outer wall" (Hebrew: ḥômâh ḥîṣônâ - חֹומָה חִיצֹונָה) indicates the city had multiple layers of defense, suggesting strong fortifications and a methodical military assault from Joab's forces. The mound reached the first line of defense.
• and all the people who were with Joab: This emphasizes the collective strength and unity of the royal army under Joab's command. It speaks to the discipline and large numbers of the soldiers involved, underscoring the overwhelming force brought against Sheba.
• were battering the wall: (Hebrew: mašḥītîm baḥômâh - מַשְׁחִיתִים בַּחֹומָה). The verb šāḥat (שָׁחַת) means "to destroy," "to spoil," "to lay waste." This describes the active, violent, and destructive effort being expended by the army against the city's defenses. It signifies a determined, relentless assault, likely involving siege engines, battering rams, or hand-to-hand dismantling of the wall.
• to throw it down: The ultimate objective of the battering; the complete destruction and breach of the city's protective wall, allowing direct entry and conquest. It signifies the military's intent to forcefully overcome all resistance and apprehend Sheba.

Words-group analysis:

• "So they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah": This phrase highlights the immediate and successful execution of the military campaign. Joab's pursuit was effective, locating Sheba quickly and initiating the siege without delay, emphasizing the urgent need to suppress the rebellion.
• "and they cast up a siege mound against the city, and it stood against the outer wall": This details the classic and effective ancient siege strategy employed. It showcases the sophisticated military engineering and systematic approach of David's army, demonstrating their capability to overcome even strong fortifications. The specific mention of the "outer wall" underlines the multi-layered defense of Abel and the methodical breaking down of these layers.
• "and all the people who were with Joab were battering the wall to throw it down": This group of words emphasizes the combined, overwhelming force and intense effort of Joab's entire army. It paints a vivid picture of a concerted and destructive assault, signifying the determination to swiftly crush the rebellion through direct military power. The objective, "to throw it down," underscores the ferocity and unyielding resolve of the besiegers.

2 Samuel 20 15 Bonus section

The historical and geographical detail concerning "Abel of Beth-maachah" points to a place known for its stability and perhaps as a center of wisdom, hence its description as a "mother in Israel" in the verses that follow (2 Sam 20:19). The presence of such a respected city as a refuge for Sheba highlights the far-reaching nature of the rebellion but also the ultimate futility of trusting in fortified structures alone when faced with a divinely appointed king's army. The efficiency of the siege operations described suggests well-drilled and equipped forces under Joab, demonstrating the organizational prowess of David's army during his established reign. The very action of building a siege ramp (solelah) and actively battering (shachat) the wall paints a vivid picture of the destructive potential of conflict and the tangible effort required to overcome defiance. This is not merely a verbal threat but a physical, immediate, and devastating military operation.

2 Samuel 20 15 Commentary

2 Samuel 20:15 succinctly describes a critical juncture in Joab's pursuit of Sheba: the direct military confrontation at the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah. This verse serves as a powerful illustration of ancient Near Eastern siege warfare, demonstrating the meticulous and brutal tactics employed—specifically, the construction of a siege mound and the relentless battering of the city walls. The urgency of Joab's actions is evident, aiming for a swift end to the rebellion that threatened David's fragile kingship after Absalom's revolt. It underscores Joab's pragmatic, unyielding, and sometimes ruthless character as a military commander, always focused on achieving his objectives. This scene of overwhelming military force sets the stage for the pivotal intervention of the "wise woman" in the subsequent verses, offering a contrast between brute power and sagacious wisdom as means of resolving conflict. It reminds us that while human might can tear down walls, divine wisdom or intervention can often provide a more expedient or less destructive path, showing God's ability to use unexpected means to achieve His purposes.