2 Samuel 20 17

2 Samuel 20:17 kjv

And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

2 Samuel 20:17 nkjv

When he had come near to her, the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." Then she said to him, "Hear the words of your maidservant." And he answered, "I am listening."

2 Samuel 20:17 niv

He went toward her, and she asked, "Are you Joab?" "I am," he answered. She said, "Listen to what your servant has to say." "I'm listening," he said.

2 Samuel 20:17 esv

And he came near her, and the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." Then she said to him, "Listen to the words of your servant." And he answered, "I am listening."

2 Samuel 20:17 nlt

As he approached, the woman asked, "Are you Joab?" "I am," he replied. So she said, "Listen carefully to your servant." "I'm listening," he said.

2 Samuel 20 verses

2 Samuel 20 17 Meaning

2 Samuel 20:17 depicts a pivotal moment in the siege of Abel of Beth-maacah. As the woman from the city approaches the general Joab, she directly questions his identity, which he affirms. Her subsequent instruction, "Listen to the words of your servant," sets the stage for a critical dialogue. This verse marks a shift from military confrontation to a diplomatic negotiation initiated by a wise woman, seeking to avert the city's destruction and resolve the conflict peacefully. It underscores the power of direct address and the importance of active listening in defusing tension.

2 Samuel 20 17 Context

This verse takes place during the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, as David is regaining control of his kingdom. A new rebellion has erupted, led by Sheba, a Benjaminite, who declared "We have no portion in David!" and drew many Israelites after him (2 Sam 20:1-2). Joab, David's loyal but often ruthless general, is pursuing Sheba to the walled city of Abel of Beth-maacah, where Sheba has taken refuge. Joab's army has laid siege to the city and is actively undermining its wall to destroy it and capture Sheba (2 Sam 20:15). In this moment of intense siege, with the city's inhabitants facing imminent destruction, a wise woman from the city initiates contact with Joab, seeking an audience to resolve the crisis. The verse captures the beginning of this critical negotiation, representing a shift from destructive conflict to diplomatic discourse.

2 Samuel 20 17 Word analysis

• And when she came near him (וַתִּקְרַב אֵלָיו הָאִשָּׁה – Vattiqrav elav ha'ishah):

  • וַתִּקְרַב (Vattiqrav): From the root קרב (qarab), meaning "to draw near," "approach." The vav-conversive indicates a sequential action. It emphasizes the direct, intentional physical approach of the woman towards the powerful general, indicating her courage and resolve. This physical act signifies the start of a direct confrontation, but one aimed at de-escalation rather than combat.
  • אֵלָיו (elav): "to him," specifying Joab.
  • הָאִשָּׁה (ha'ishah): "the woman." The definite article "the" suggests she is already known or recognized in the immediate context, perhaps by her reputation for wisdom, as revealed later (2 Sam 20:16). This isn't just any woman; she is the woman who would speak up in such a crisis.

• the woman said, 'Are you Joab?' (וַתֹּאמֶר הָאִשָּׁה הַאַתָּה יוֹאָב – Vattomer ha'ishah ha'attah Yo'av):

  • וַתֹּאמֶר (Vattomer): "and she said," again a vav-conversive, signifying the immediate verbal follow-up to her physical approach.
  • הַאַתָּה (ha'attah): "Are you...?" The interrogative particle ha- preceding the pronoun "you" (attah) forms a direct, unequivocal question about identity. This question is crucial; it establishes who she is addressing before entering into a negotiation. It might also be a tactical move to verify the presence of the highest authority.
  • יוֹאָב (Yo'av): Joab. Addressing him by name indicates she knows who he is, or has been told, which facilitates direct communication.

• He said, 'I am.' (וַיֹּאמֶר אֲנִי – Vayomer ani):

  • וַיֹּאמֶר (Vayomer): "and he said," Joab's immediate response.
  • אֲנִי (ani): "I (am)." This simple, declarative statement is an affirmation of identity. In biblical Hebrew, the copula ("is" or "am") is often implied. Here, ani is a straightforward self-identification. While "I Am" (Ani Hu) holds profound theological weight when God declares His nature (Exod 3:14), in this context, it is a practical affirmation of identity. Joab, being direct, confirms he is the one she seeks.

• Then she said to him, 'Listen to the words of your servant.'" (וַתֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו שְׁמַע דִּבְרֵי אֲמָתֶךָ – Vattomer elav shema' divrei 'amatekhah):

  • וַתֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו (Vattomer elav): "And she said to him." Continues the swift verbal exchange.
  • שְׁמַע (shema'): "Listen!" "Hear!" This is an imperative verb, direct command. From the root שמע (shama'), meaning "to hear," but often carrying the connotation of "to listen attentively," "to understand," and even "to obey." In biblical terms, "shema'" is foundational (e.g., Deut 6:4, "Hear, O Israel!"). Her plea is not just for an ear, but for active consideration and understanding of her impending message.
  • דִּבְרֵי (divrei): "words of." From דבר (dabar), "word," "speech," "matter," "thing." This indicates that she intends to convey a reasoned message, not simply an emotional plea.
  • אֲמָתֶךָ ('amatekhah): "your female servant," "your handmaid." From אָמָה ('amah), referring to a female servant or slave. The suffix "-tekhah" means "your." This term is a form of humble self-abasement, a customary sign of respect and deference when addressing a superior. By presenting herself as Joab's "servant" despite not literally being so, she creates a non-threatening, deferential atmosphere conducive to dialogue. This humility seeks to disarm Joab and encourage his hearing, setting aside her own standing for the greater good of her city.

Words-Group Analysis

• "Are you Joab?" / "I am.": This quick exchange establishes the authority for the coming conversation. It verifies the general's identity, removing any ambiguity about whom the woman is addressing and whether she is speaking to the person who holds the power to act. Joab's direct "I am" demonstrates his awareness of his position and readiness to engage.
• "Listen to the words of your servant.": This phrase is the strategic core of the verse. It shifts the power dynamic momentarily from Joab's military might to the woman's wisdom and persuasive communication. The term "listen" (שְׁמַע - shema') is not a casual request but a significant imperative, implying serious attention and readiness to comprehend. Coupling this with the humble self-designation "your servant" (אָמָתֶךָ - 'amatekhah) underscores her diplomatic skill: she simultaneously commands his attention with "shema'" while disarming him with deference. This careful wording frames the upcoming discourse as advice from a lesser, offered respectfully to a greater. It implies a rational proposal, not just a desperate cry, indicating her wisdom.

2 Samuel 20 17 Bonus section

• The term "wise woman" (ishah hakamah) is specifically used in the broader context of 2 Samuel for women like Abigail (1 Sam 25) and the woman of Tekoa (2 Sam 14), signifying individuals with sharp intellect, discerning judgment, and often, an ability to speak eloquently and strategically. This verse establishes the opening of such an interaction, characteristic of these biblical "wise women" who act as mediators or advocates.
• The scene highlights the pragmatism of Joab. Despite his military drive, he is open to hearing a proposition that could achieve his objective (capturing Sheba) without the messy and potentially costly destruction of an entire city, demonstrating that even a formidable general could recognize the value of negotiation when presented skillfully.
• The exchange emphasizes the critical role of "listening" in leadership. The survival of Abel of Beth-maacah hinged on Joab's willingness to "shema'" - to truly hear and consider the words of a seemingly insignificant individual. This act of listening is presented as a virtue essential for justice and wise governance.

2 Samuel 20 17 Commentary

2 Samuel 20:17 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, marking the turning point in a narrative of violent rebellion and siege. It pivots from the roar of battle to the quiet, compelling power of dialogue. The woman's courage in approaching Joab, David's notoriously stern and effective general, is remarkable. Her direct query, "Are you Joab?", serves to establish the critical personage. Joab's curt "I am" confirms his identity and implies a readiness for interaction. The following command, "Listen to the words of your servant," is far from a mere request. The Hebrew "Shema," deeply ingrained in Israelite theology, demands active, thoughtful attention and implies an expectation of understanding and even obedience. By framing herself as "your servant," the woman uses traditional respectful language to bridge the vast gap in their social standing and power, defusing potential hostility. This diplomatic brilliance sets the stage for her to deliver wise counsel that ultimately saves her city without further bloodshed. The scene contrasts brute force with the power of persuasion, illustrating that wisdom and articulate speech can often achieve more than military might. It showcases the unexpected agency of a "wise woman" in ancient Israelite society, where such figures occasionally emerged to influence critical public affairs.