Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” New Living Translation But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, “Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.” English Standard Version Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’” Berean Standard Bible a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” Berean Literal Bible and a wise woman cried out from the city, “Listen, listen! Say, please, to Joab, come nearby here, that I may speak with you.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then a wise woman cried out from the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come nearby, that I may speak with you.’ ” New American Standard Bible Then a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen, listen! Please tell Joab, ‘Come here that I may speak with you.’” NASB 1995 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Hear, hear! Please tell Joab, ‘Come here that I may speak with you.’” NASB 1977 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Hear, hear! Please tell Joab, ‘Come here that I may speak with you.’” Legacy Standard Bible Then a wise woman called from the city, “Hear, hear! Please tell Joab, ‘Draw near that I may speak with you.’” Amplified Bible Then a wise woman cried out from the city, “Hear, hear! Tell Joab, ‘Come here so that I may speak to you.’” Berean Annotated Bible a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab (YHWH is father) to come here so that I may speak with him. Christian Standard Bible a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here and let me speak with him.” Holman Christian Standard Bible a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here and let me speak with him.” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version A wise woman shouted from the top of the wall, "Listen to me! Listen to me! I have to talk to Joab! Tell him to come here!" English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then a clever woman called from the city, "Listen, listen! Tell Joab to come here so that I can talk to him." Good News Translation There was a wise woman in the city who shouted from the wall, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here; I want to speak with him." International Standard Version Just then a wise woman called out from the city. "Attention!" she said, "Go tell Joab 'Come here! I want to talk to you!'" NET Bible a wise woman called out from the city, "Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab, 'Come near so that I may speak to you.'" New Heart English Bible Then a wise woman called out from the wall, "Listen, listen. Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak to him. Webster's Bible Translation Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, to Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblea wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” World English Bible Then a wise woman cried out of the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come near here, that I may speak with you.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd a wise woman calls out of the city, “Hear! Hear! Please say to Joab, Come near here, and I speak to you.” Berean Literal Bible and a wise woman cried out from the city, “Listen, listen! Say, please, to Joab, come nearby here, that I may speak with you.” Young's Literal Translation And a wise woman calleth out of the city, 'Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, and I speak unto thee.' Smith's Literal Translation And a wise woman will call out of the city, Hear ye, hear ye; say now to Joab, Come near hither and I will speak to you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd a wise woman cried out from the city: Hear, hear, and say to Joab: Come near hither, and I will speak with thee. Catholic Public Domain Version And a wise woman exclaimed from the city: “Listen, listen, and say to Joab: Draw near, and I will speak with you.” New American Bible Then a wise woman from the city called out, “Listen, listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, so I can speak with you.’ ” New Revised Standard Version Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, I want to speak to you.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen a wise woman cried out from the wall, saying, Hear, hear, and say to Joab, Come near, that I may speak to you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And one wise woman called from the wall of the city and she said: “Hear! Hear! And say to Yuab, ‘Come near here and I shall speak you!’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And a wise woman cried from the wall, and said, Hear, hear; say, I pray ye, to Joab, Draw near hither, and I will speak to him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sheba's Rebellion…15And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it, 16a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” 17When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered.… Cross References a wise woman called out from the city 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. Proverbs 1:20-21 Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; / in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: Proverbs 8:1-3 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: “Listen! Listen! Isaiah 28:23 Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say. Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Psalm 49:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, Please tell Joab to come here Acts 10:32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ Mark 10:49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.” John 11:28 After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” so that I may speak with him.” 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied. 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. 1 Kings 2:17 Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. / Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. Judges 9:53 But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” 2 Samuel 17:15 So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. Treasury of Scripture Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, to Joab, Come near here, that I may speak with you. 2 Samuel 14:2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: 1 Samuel 25:3,32,33 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb… Ecclesiastes 9:14-18 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: … Jump to Previous City Cried Crying Ear Hear Hither Joab Jo'ab Please Speak Talk Wall WiseJump to Next City Cried Crying Ear Hear Hither Joab Jo'ab Please Speak Talk Wall Wise2 Samuel 20 1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life 4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab 14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel 16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head 23. David's officers a wise woman called out from the city The phrase "a wise woman" indicates a person of discernment and understanding, often seen as a leader or advisor in ancient communities. In biblical narratives, wise women are sometimes depicted as having significant influence, such as the wise woman of Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14. The city in question is Abel Beth Maacah, a fortified city in northern Israel, known for its strategic importance. The presence of a wise woman suggests a society that values wisdom and counsel, even from women, which was notable in the patriarchal context of ancient Israel. “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Wise WomanAn unnamed woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah, known for her wisdom and diplomacy. She plays a crucial role in resolving the conflict peacefully. 2. Joab The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless tactics. He is leading the siege against the city to capture Sheba, a rebel against King David. 3. Abel Beth Maacah A fortified city in northern Israel, known for its wisdom and historical significance. It becomes the focal point of the conflict between Joab and Sheba. 4. Sheba A Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, seeking to divide the kingdom. His actions prompted Joab's siege of Abel Beth Maacah. 5. Siege The military action led by Joab against Abel Beth Maacah to capture Sheba, which is resolved through the intervention of the wise woman. Teaching Points The Power of Wisdom in Conflict ResolutionWisdom can avert disaster and bring peace, as demonstrated by the wise woman's intervention. In our lives, seeking wisdom from God can help us navigate conflicts effectively. The Role of Women in God's Plan The Bible often highlights women who play pivotal roles in God's plan. This passage reminds us of the importance of valuing and listening to the voices of women in our communities. The Importance of Listening Joab's willingness to listen to the wise woman leads to a peaceful resolution. We should be open to listening to others, especially those who offer wise counsel. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human conflicts and plans, God's sovereignty is evident. He uses individuals, like the wise woman, to accomplish His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:16?2. How does 2 Samuel 20:16 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel today? 3. What role does wisdom play in resolving conflicts, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:16? 4. How can we apply the principle of listening before acting from 2 Samuel 20:16? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Samuel 20:16 and Proverbs on wisdom? 6. How can we cultivate a spirit of discernment like the woman in 2 Samuel 20:16? 7. What is the significance of the wise woman's role in 2 Samuel 20:16? 8. How does 2 Samuel 20:16 reflect on the value of wisdom in leadership? 9. Why does 2 Samuel 20:16 emphasize listening to women in a patriarchal society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20? 11. In 2 Samuel 20:16–22, how does the “wise woman’s” negotiation for Sheba's head align with the Bible’s broader emphasis on justice and mercy? 12. 2 Samuel 14:2–3: Does Joab’s use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king? 13. In 2 Samuel 20:8-10, why isn't Joab explicitly reprimanded for the ruthless killing of Amasa, despite earlier prohibitions against murder? 14. 2 Samuel 14:5-11: How does this fabricated story align with Mosaic laws requiring genuine judicial proceedings, and isn't it deceptive manipulation of a royal decree? What Does 2 Samuel 20:16 Mean A wise womanThe narrative pauses to introduce “a wise woman.” Scripture repeatedly honors godly wisdom that acts decisively in crisis—think of Abigail, whose discernment spared her household (1 Samuel 25:3, 32-33). By calling her “wise,” the text assures us that what follows is sound, God-honoring counsel (Proverbs 14:1; 31:26). God does not limit His rescue to military might; He often works through humble, perceptive servants willing to step forward (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15). Called out from the city She stands within the besieged walls of Abel Beth-maacah yet makes her appeal outward. This echoes the unnamed woman of Thebez who, from a city wall, routed Abimelech (Judges 9:53). Cities in Scripture symbolize both security and community responsibility (Psalm 48:12-14). By “calling out,” she takes ownership for her town’s survival, embodying Proverbs 11:11: “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.” Listen! Listen! The double imperative intensifies urgency. Repetition is a Hebrew way of waving a flag—“pay close attention!” Similar twin calls appear in Genesis 22:11 (“Abraham, Abraham!”) and Luke 10:41 (“Martha, Martha!”). The woman knows that salvation often hinges on whether people heed God-sent warnings (Proverbs 8:4-6; Isaiah 55:3). Her shout is both a plea and a warning—act now, before swords swing. Please tell Joab to come here Joab, commander of David’s army (2 Samuel 2:13; 19:13), is the human decision-maker holding life or death in his hands. Rather than yelling general protests, she seeks the responsible authority directly—an application of Matthew 18:15’s principle to speak first to the one who can resolve the matter. Note her respect: “please.” True wisdom pairs courage with courtesy (Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15). So that I may speak with him Her aim isn’t confrontation but conversation—persuasion grounded in truth (Proverbs 15:1, 23). God often averts destruction through words of intercession (Exodus 32:11-14; Esther 7:3-4). Like Abigail before David, she offers herself as mediator, foreshadowing the perfect Mediator who would reconcile enemies through the cross (1 Timothy 2:5; Colossians 1:20). summary • God can use a single, Spirit-led voice to preserve an entire community. • Wisdom acts: it steps forward, speaks up, and seeks peace before conflict escalates. • Respectful, direct dialogue with rightful authority is a biblical path to resolution. • The scene previews the greater mediation of Christ, who bridges the gap between judgment and mercy for all who will “listen, listen” to Him. Hebrew a wiseחֲכָמָ֖ה (ḥă·ḵā·māh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2450: Wise woman אִשָּׁ֥ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female called out וַתִּקְרָ֛א (wat·tiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the city, הָעִ֑יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement “Listen! שִׁמְע֤וּ (šim·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently Listen! שִׁמְעוּ֙ (šim·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently Please נָ֣א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' tell אִמְרוּ־ (’im·rū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say Joab יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites to come קְרַ֣ב (qə·raḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7126: To come near, approach here הֵ֔נָּה (hên·nāh) Adverb Strong's 2008: Hither, thither so that I may speak וַאֲדַבְּרָ֖ה (wa·’ă·ḏab·bə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue with him.” אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Links 2 Samuel 20:16 NIV2 Samuel 20:16 NLT 2 Samuel 20:16 ESV 2 Samuel 20:16 NASB 2 Samuel 20:16 KJV 2 Samuel 20:16 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 20:16 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 20:16 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 20:16 French Bible 2 Samuel 20:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 20:16 Then cried a wise woman out (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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