It appears that everyone in Israel now wants David as king, but appearances can deceive. Sheba leads another rebellion against David. All Israel, who had just been profession their loyalty to David, join Sheba. David sends his new commander, Amasa, to gather the Judean army. When Amasa is delayed, David sends out Abishai and Joab to pursue Sheba.
Amasa’s forces join the others at Gibeon. There Joab greets Amasa with a kiss at the same time plunging a dagger into his belly. Joab has dealt with his rival and is commander again. He rallies his troops, removes Amasa’s body from the road not to distract them, and marches after Sheba.
Sheba and his forces hole up in the city of Abel Beth Maacah. A wise woman from that city approaches Joab and convinces him not to besiege the city and destroy it. In return, she convinces the people of Abel to cut off Sheba’s head and throw it over the wall of their city to Joab. The rebellion ends.
Prayer
Trustworthy God, give us faith to trust you when everyone turns against us.
DR. GARY HOLLOWAY
Gary Holloway is Executive Director of the World Convention. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, The University of Texas, and Emory University, he has written or edited thirty books, including (with Douglas Foster) Renewing God’s World: A Concise Global History of the Stone-Campbell Movement from ACU Press. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway.
Trustworthy God… I like that. It seems new for some reason. Thanks!