Sheba, the Son of Bichri (2 Samuel 20)

2022-04-27

In the aftermath of the Absalom’s rebellion, Judah and the northern tribes argued over why the king’s tribe brought him back over the Jordan River. One minute, the northern tribes said, “We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye” (2 Samuel 19:43). Next, they were all following a man named Sheba, who said, “We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel” (2 Samuel 20:1). Clearly, this fickleness has nothing to do with David, but rather their own hurt honor and the desire to get their own way.

Amasa, Joab’s replacement as general, was to muster the troops. Because he was slow to do so, Abishai gathered men because of the urgency. During the mayhem, Joab slew Amasa his replacement and took command, and the troops followed him.

The people never followed this man Sheba as they did with Absalom. In Abel Bethmaachah, at the advice of a wise woman, they threw Sheba’s head over the wall to spare the city. The rebellion fell apart.

A recurring theme of the story is that not getting your way is not a good reason for division. The northern tribes acted emotionally to follow a “man of Belial,” or a worthless person. How do you think Israel would have fared under such a leader?

What Joab’s motives for killing Amasa could be a few things. David’s appointment of Absalom’s former general of rebel forces is strange, to be sure. Joab may have been suspicious of Amasa amid this new rebellion. However, since he was Joab’s replacement, a contributing factor would be his own position. He also was not getting his way.

Before making huge emotional decisions or because we do not get our way, stop and think, is this worth it? Who gets hurt in the process? What will the result be?