2 Samuel 20:17

Verse

When 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

And he came near unto her; and the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

Bible in Basic English

And he came near, and the woman said, Are you Joab? And he said in answer, I am. Then she said, Give ear to your servant's words. And he said, I am giving ear.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And when he was come near to her, she said to him: Art thou Joab? And he answered: I am. And she spoke thus to him: Hear the words of thy handmaid. He answered: I do hear.

Free Bible Version

He went over to her, and the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “Yes, that's me,” he replied. “Please listen to what I, your servant, have to say,” she said. “I'm listening,” he replied.

Geneva Bible 1599

And when hee came neere vnto her, the woman said, Art thou Ioab? And he answered, Yea. And she said to him, Heare the wordes of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do heare.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

So after they told Joab, he came there, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He replied, “Yes, I am.” She said to him, “Listen to what I say.” He replied, “I am listening.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

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

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

He came near to her; and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your servant.” He answered, “I’m listening.”

Young's Literal Translation

And he cometh near unto her, and the woman saith, 'Art thou Joab?' and he saith, 'I [am].' And she saith to him, 'Hear the words of thy handmaid;' and he saith, 'I am hearing.'

Context

Sheba’s Rebellion

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.

Summary

This verse recounts the wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah who averted a crisis by negotiating with Joab, the commander of David's army. She displayed courage and shrewdness in saving her city from destruction by persuading Joab to spare them. Her actions serve as a reminder of the power of diplomacy and wisdom in resolving conflicts peacefully. This narrative showcases the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and the impact of individual actions in preventing unnecessary bloodshed. It also highlights the value of wisdom and discernment in diffusing volatile situations.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And when he was come near unto her,.... As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him: the woman said, art thou Joab? she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him: and he answered, I am he; the very person you ask after: and she said unto him, hear the words of thine handmaid; though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say: and he answered, I do hear: am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.