2 Samuel 20:13 (KJV)
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab,
to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
The murder scene has been cleaned off from the highway and all the people have gone after Joab, to pursue Sheba, the traitor to the king. As I thought about that, I wondered how Joab, just after having coldheartedly slaughtered Amasa, could in clear conscience, even pursue a traitor! But the fact that Joab acted in a barbarian-like manner toward another human being did not slow him down at all. In fact, Joab was still bent on seeking after Sheba, probably even more determined than ever before, now being fueled by his own recent sinful actions. It's amazing how we can see so clearly what is faulty in other persons and passionately endeavor to punish their wrong behavior while totally overlooking or justifying our own sin! What's even more remarkable is that so many people were willing to follow after a murderer in pursuit of a traitor! Everyone here seems to have forgotten to consider their own sinful condition…
Job 13:23 (KJV)
How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression
and my sin.
In what kinds of situations do you usually compromise just to have your own way? What flaws in others do you focus in on and magnify while justifying or placing your own deficiencies behind you? Are you just a little too eager to set people straight, dear lady? With what spirit are you on a rampage for righteousness? Do you quarrel with others over their small faults and allow yourself greater ones?? It's interesting how we can personally be in miserable shape and not be aware of it. Ladies, let's be sure that while we might be fighting for a worthy cause, we are not forgetting to battle as zealously for right to prevail in our own lives. Not everyone is fit to reprove; reprovers ought to reform themselves first!
Matthew 7:3-5 (KJV)
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest
not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother,
Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine
own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye;
and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's
eye.
The Bible is full of good counsel, amen? But how many of us are heeding God’s orders concerning how to conduct ourselves in reference to the faults of others? Are you as severe on self as you are on them? Now that we addressed that important subject, we're going to follow Joab into verses 14 & 15 where we'll see what Sheba has been up to and where Joab finally discovers his whereabouts....
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maa-chah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him. 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.
Here we see the determination of Joab and Abishai demonstrated in hot their pursuit of Sheba. A mount, standing in the trench, leaning against the outmost wall of the city was raised so high as to equal, if not exceed, the top of the besieged walls. And all the people that were with Joab, the Bible says, were battering down the wall so as to throw it down, or collapse it, therefore allowing them to get in and catch him. Common sense should tell you that any place that harbors a traitor is going to be attacked, amen? Now, how would you, being just one woman, stop such destruction from coming upon your city if you were living in a metropolis in jeopardy of being destroyed?? COULD you stop it? Would you dare even try? Well, one woman did…
2 Samuel 20:16 (KJV)
Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you,
unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
In the midst of all these mighty men, in the heat of this intense political attack, and at a very crucial moment, along comes a woman on the scene and hollers to speak to Joab, the man in command! Can you imagine that?? It's almost the same as jumping onto a train track right in front of a freight train! Who is this lady anyway?? Is she crazy or something? No, the Bible described her only as wise, so she couldn't be mad…. Well then, what message did this spirited woman have for the murder-minded Joab? Does she really think he is going to talk with her? I mean, the city she lives in is under his attack; he wants Sheba and Sheba he'll get, one way or another! Can you really reason with such a single-minded, strong-willed warrior? What do you think a man like Joab's response will be at a time like this??
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.
I can't believe how this barbarian-like man is allowing this woman talk to him, can you? A man like Joab has to be somewhat impressed and surely a bit curious in regard to the courage this little lady displays, amen? What is it about her that captures his attention and calms his spirit enough to give her ear? It is her wise spirit coupled with her wise words that subdues Joab's warring spirit, and ladies, during times of conflict that makes a great difference!! You see, wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding HOW to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured…
Proverbs 31:26a (KJV)
She openeth her mouth with wisdom...
Proverbs 15:2a (KJV)
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright...
Do you have the ability to handle matters wisely when conflict arises in your life or in the life of your children? Do you have the skill necessary to turn troubles away or does your lack of discretion usually stir more of them up for yourself and your family? A great deal of problems could be avoided if both parties involved in conflict would be willing to understand one another. As of yet, this woman has no idea what Joab's problem is, but she is willing to face the situation, discover the problem, and then work with Joab, even though he is the attacker!
Ladies, when you are attacked by an individual what is your usual reaction?? Do you retain honor and integrity during these times? Do you go into hiding; do you lash out hastily in fury; do you connive; or do you just sit there and do nothing at all?? This woman is wise enough to know that SOMETHING needs to be done; things can't go on like this! You see ladies, a truly wise woman does not like to witness the tearing down of things, rather she is a builder, the Bible says…
Proverbs 14:1a (KJV)
Every wise woman buildeth...
Next session we are going to observe precisely how this one wise woman handled the conflict with Joab and how even Joab benefited from her approach, so bring a pencil and paper to take notes for the next time problems like these arise in your life! There is no reason that conflicts can't turn out well for both sides. We are going to face some rough situations in our lifetime and there ought to be an eagerness on our parts to know how to prudently behave ourselves in all settings. You'll find that one wise person can be of greater value than many strong ones!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 1999 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
