2 Samuel 20:15
2 Samuel 20:15 in Multiple Translations
And 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,
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, 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.
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
And Joab and his men got him shut up in Abel of Beth-maacah, and put up an earthwork against the town: and all Joab's men did their best to get the wall broken down.
Joab's army came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah. They built a siege ramp against the town's outer wall. While all of Joab's army was battering the wall to knock it down,
So they came, and besieged him in Abel, neere to Bethmaachah: and they cast vp a mount against the citie, and the people thereof stood on the ramper, and al the people that was with Ioab, destroyed and cast downe the wall.
and they go in and lay siege against him, in Abel of Beth-Maachah, and cast up a mount against the city, and it standeth in a trench, and all the people who are [are] with Joab are destroying, to cause the wall to fall.
They came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down.
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, 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.
And they came, and besieged him in Abela, and in Bethmaacha, and they cast up works round the city, and the city was besieged: and all the people that were with Joab, laboured to throw down the walls.
The soldiers who were with Joab found out that Sheba had gone there, so they went there and surrounded the town. They built a dirt ramp up against the town wall. They also pounded against the wall with heavy poles, to cause it to collapse.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
וַ/יָּצֻ֣רוּ
עָלָ֗י/ו
בְּ/אָבֵ֨לָ/ה֙
בֵּ֣ית
הַֽמַּעֲכָ֔ה
וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֤וּ
סֹֽלְלָה֙
אֶל
הָ/עִ֔יר
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
בַּ/חֵ֑ל
וְ/כָל
הָ/עָם֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אֶת
יוֹאָ֔ב
מַשְׁחִיתִ֖ם
לְ/הַפִּ֥יל
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּצֻ֣רוּ
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בְּ/אָבֵ֨לָ/ה֙
ʼÂbêl
H59
Abel
Prep | N-proper | Suff
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Maʻăkâh
H1038
-beth-maacah
N-proper
הַֽמַּעֲכָ֔ה
Bêyth Maʻăkâh
H1038
-beth-maacah
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֤וּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
סֹֽלְלָה֙
çôlᵉlâh
H5550
mound
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּ/חֵ֑ל
chêyl
H2426
rampart
Prep | N-ms
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
מַשְׁחִיתִ֖ם
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil
לְ/הַפִּ֥יל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:15
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יָּצֻ֣רוּ
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/אָבֵ֨לָ/ה֙
ʼÂbêl
H59
"Abel"
Prep | N-proper | Suff
Abel refers to two places in Palestine, one of which is a city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah. The name Abel is also associated with a city called Abel-beth-maachah.
Definition: A city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah Another name of a.vel bet-ma.a.khah (אָבֵל בֵּית־מֲעַכָה "Abel-beth-maachah" H0062)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Abel. See also: 1 Samuel 6:18; 2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Samuel 20:18.
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Maʻăkâh
H1038
"-beth-maacah"
N-proper
Beth-maakah means house of pressure, a place in the northern kingdom of Israel. It is also known as Abel-beth-maacah and appears in the Bible as a location in the region.
Definition: Beth-maachah = "house of pressure" a place in the northern kingdom Combined with a.vel (אָבֵל "Abel" H0059H)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Beth-maachah. See also: 2 Samuel 20:14; 2 Samuel 20:15.
הַֽמַּעֲכָ֔ה
Bêyth Maʻăkâh
H1038
"-beth-maacah"
N-proper
Beth-maakah means house of pressure, a place in the northern kingdom of Israel. It is also known as Abel-beth-maacah and appears in the Bible as a location in the region.
Definition: Beth-maachah = "house of pressure" a place in the northern kingdom Combined with a.vel (אָבֵל "Abel" H0059H)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Beth-maachah. See also: 2 Samuel 20:14; 2 Samuel 20:15.
וַ/יִּשְׁפְּכ֤וּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
סֹֽלְלָה֙
çôlᵉlâh
H5550
"mound"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a military mound or rampart, like a bank or mount, often used by besiegers in battle.
Definition: mound
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bank, mount. See also: 2 Samuel 20:15; Jeremiah 33:4; Isaiah 37:33.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בַּ/חֵ֑ל
chêyl
H2426
"rampart"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a strong wall or fortress that protects a city or a group of people. It is used in the Bible to talk about armies, walls, and other kinds of strong defenses, and is translated as 'army', 'rampart', or 'wall'.
Definition: 1) rampart, fortress, wall 1a) rampart 1b) fortress Also means: che.lah (חֵילָה "bulwark" H2430)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: army, bulwark, host, [phrase] poor, rampart, trench, wall. See also: 2 Samuel 8:9; 2 Chronicles 26:13; Psalms 10:10.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
מַשְׁחִיתִ֖ם
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
לְ/הַפִּ֥יל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:15
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- Context
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- 2 Samuel 20:15 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:15
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- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:15
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- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:15
Context — Sheba’s Rebellion
13As soon as Amasa’s body was removed from the road, all the men went on with Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bichri.
14Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 19:32 | So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 32:24 | See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! |
| 3 | 1 Kings 15:20 | And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 4:2 | Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. |
| 5 | Luke 19:43 | For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 33:4 | For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the houses of this city and the palaces of the kings of Judah that have been torn down for defense against the siege ramps and the sword: |
| 7 | Isaiah 37:33 | So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 6:6 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 15:29 | In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. |
2 Samuel 20:15 Summary
This verse describes how Joab's troops besieged the city of Abel-beth-maacah, where Sheba, the son of Bichri, had taken refuge. They built a siege ramp to breach the city walls and gain access to the city, as part of their plan to capture Sheba and quell the rebellion against King David. This story reminds us that rebellion against God's authority has consequences, as seen in verses like 2 Samuel 18:7-8 and Psalm 2:1-4. Just as Joab's troops worked together to achieve their goal, we can work together as believers to overcome challenges and honor God, as encouraged in verses like Ecclesiastes 4:12 and Romans 12:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab's troops besiege the city of Abel-beth-maacah?
Joab's troops besieged the city because Sheba, the son of Bichri, had taken refuge there and was leading a rebellion against King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:14. This action was necessary to quell the uprising and maintain the king's authority.
What was the purpose of building a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city?
The siege ramp was built to allow Joab's troops to breach the city walls and gain access to the city, as they were attempting to topple the wall, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:15. This tactic was commonly used in ancient warfare, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:20.
How did the troops plan to gain control of the city?
The troops, led by Joab, planned to batter the wall and topple it, thereby gaining access to the city and capturing Sheba, as stated in 2 Samuel 20:15. This plan was likely intended to minimize casualties and avoid a prolonged siege.
What can we learn from Joab's military strategy in this verse?
We can learn that Joab was a skilled and experienced military leader, as evident from his actions in 2 Samuel 20:15. His strategy was likely influenced by his previous experiences, such as the battle against Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:1-17, and demonstrates the importance of wise leadership and planning in times of conflict, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day examples of rebellion against God's authority, and how can we, as believers, respond to them in a way that honors God?
- How can we, like Joab's troops, work together to achieve a common goal and overcome challenges in our own lives and communities?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
- In what ways can we, as Christians, be a source of strength and support for one another, just as Joab's troops supported each other in their mission to capture Sheba?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of rebellion against Him, as seen in verses like Psalm 2:1-4 and Romans 13:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:15
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah,.... That is, Joab and Abishai, with the forces under them, who pursued him hither: and they cast up a bank against the city; which some
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:15
And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-ma'achah, 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
They came, i.e. Joab and his army, which is easily understood, both from the foregoing and following verses. They cast up a bank; from whence they might either batter the wall, or shoot at those who defended it against them who should assault it. See 33:4. Otherwise, they threw down the bank of the city, which they had raised up to defend the city on the weakest side. It stood in the trench, i.e. the bank stood in or near to the trench, or wall of the city; so that the city was in great danger of being taken. Otherwise, the city stood within the trench, or wall, being defended only by a single trench, or a weak wall; the bank which was raised up there to defend it being thrown down.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
2 Samuel 20:15 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.Ver. 15. And they came and besieged him.] Who now probably repented him of his bold and treacherous enterprise; sicut Leo cassibus irretitus ait, Si praescivissem? Battered the wall to throw it down.] It had been pity those walls should have stood, if they had been too high to throw a traitor’ s head over. Sheba, likely, thought himself very safe when gotten into a walled city: but what said the voice from heaven to Phocas the traitor? - if Nicephorus may be believed - Though thou build thy walls as high as heaven, and as strong as thou canst make them, yet sin lying at the bottom will easily undermine and overturn them: ευαλωτοςηαπολις, the city of thy defence will soon be taken.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
(15)Abel of Beth-maachah.—Omit the preposition “of.” (See 2 Samuel 20:14.) Stood in the trench.—The “trench” is the space between the wall of the city and the lower outer wall. When the besiegers had succeeded in planting the mounds for their battering engines in this space they had already gained an important advantage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
Verse 15. They cast up a bank against the city] The word סללה solelah, which we render bank, means, most probably, a battering engine of some kind, or a tower overlooking the walls, on which archers and slingers could stand and annoy the inhabitants, while others of the besiegers could proceed to sap the walls. That it cannot be a bank that stood in the trench, is evident from the circumstance thus expressed.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:15
15. cast up a bank] The besiegers erected a mound of earth against the city wall to enable them to batter the upper and weaker part of it. This stood in “the trench” or outwork of the city: a term which includes the low outer wall and the space between it and the main wall. For mention of siege mounds see 2 Kings 19:32; Isaiah 29:3; Jeremiah 6:6; Jeremiah 32:24; Jeremiah 33:4; Ezekiel 4:2; Ezekiel 17:17; Ezekiel 21:22; Ezekiel 26:8; Daniel 11:15. They are represented on the bas-reliefs depicting the siege of Lachish which were found at Kouyunjik. Layard’s Monuments of Nineveh, Vol. II. PI. 18, 21.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:15
Cast up a bank - See the marginal references. The throwing up of mounds against the walls of besieged places by the besiegers is well illustrated in the Assyrian sculptures.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:15
15. A bank against the city — A mound or rampart on which the besieging forces might easily approach the city wall.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Enemy Frustrated by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God is capable of thwarting the plans of our enemies, as illustrated in the story of the king of Assyria, who could not harm the city despite his thre |
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Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing his dual focus on sin and judgment for Jerusalem, alongside a hopeful vision of redemption and restor |
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Isaiah Chapter 4 Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, focusing on the themes of sin, judgment, and eventual redemption for Judah and Jerusalem. He highlights Isaiah's |
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Slightly Healed by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disappointment of God with His chosen people, using the analogy of a vineyard. Despite God's efforts to cultivate and protect His people, |