Who was Bikri?
Bikri (Hebrew: בִּכְרִי, Bikri, meaning “youthful” or “young man”) was a Benjamite rebel during the reign of King David. His brief but dangerous insurrection is recorded in 2 Samuel 20, where he is identified as the “son of Bichri, a man of Benjamin.” Although his appearance in the biblical narrative is short, Bikri’s story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God’s anointed and the dangers of division within the covenant community of Israel.
Biblical References
- 2 Samuel 20:1-22 – The primary narrative of Bikri’s rebellion.
- Cross-reference with:
- 2 Samuel 15-18 – The backdrop of political unrest following Absalom’s rebellion.
- 1 Kings 12 – Future schisms in Israel foreshadowed by Bikri’s actions.
- Romans 13:1-2 – New Testament teaching on submission to God-ordained authority.
- Psalm 2 – Warning against rebellion against the Lord and His Anointed.
The Story of Bikri
The Context
After the quelling of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 18), Israel remained politically unstable. Tensions simmered between the northern tribes and Judah, David’s own tribe. While David was returning to Jerusalem, a dispute broke out between the tribes over their loyalty and rights regarding the king (2 Samuel 19:41-43).
Bikri’s Rebellion
Amidst this discontent, Bikri, a Benjamite, seizes the moment to spark another revolt:
“Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, ‘We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!’” (2 Samuel 20:1, NIV)
Bikri’s cry echoes the spirit of division that would later erupt during the split of the northern and southern kingdoms. His call, “We have no share in David,” is not merely political—it is a spiritual rejection of the Lord’s chosen king.
David, recognizing the threat, commands his new commander Amasa to rally the troops. When Amasa delays, Joab steps in and swiftly eliminates him, taking control of the pursuit. Bikri flees north to Abel Beth Maakah, a fortified city. Joab’s forces besiege the city, but a wise woman negotiates peace by handing over Bikri’s severed head to Joab, ending the rebellion (2 Samuel 20:22).
Broader Biblical Themes
Rebellion Against God’s Anointed
Bikri’s insurrection is not simply political maneuvering—it is rebellion against God‘s ordained leadership. Like Korah in Numbers 16 and Absalom earlier in 2 Samuel, Bikri symbolizes those who resist divine order. Scripture consistently warns against such rebellion (Romans 13:1–2).
Bikri’s rallying cry, “We have no part in David,” sets the pattern for Jeroboam’s later rebellion (1 Kings 12:16). His story is a cautionary tale that helps trace the theme of kingdom division and disobedience to God‘s covenant.
God’s Preservation of His Kingdom
Despite recurring insurrections, God preserves the Davidic line. This points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom cannot be shaken. Though many throughout history, like Bikri, oppose the King, God‘s redemptive plan marches forward.
The Danger of Disunity
Bikri exploited tribal discontent for personal gain. This highlights how division within God’s people opens the door to spiritual chaos. In the New Testament, the church is warned against similar division (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Unity under the Lord’s leadership is a mark of God‘s true people.
Gospel Connections
Though Bikri stood in opposition to David, he ultimately points us to Jesus, the greater Son of David. The phrase “We have no share in David” becomes tragically ironic in the gospel narrative. To reject the Son of David is to reject the only hope for peace with God.
In Christ, we are invited to say the opposite: “We do have a share in David.” By grace, believers are grafted into the promises given to David (Romans 11), and Christ’s eternal reign brings unity and peace that Bikri’s rebellion could never offer.
Joab’s pursuit of Bikri demonstrates the severity of divine justice, while the wise woman of Abel shows how intercession and wisdom can lead to salvation. Ultimately, Jesus is the intercessor who bore the penalty for rebellion—not by calling for our heads, but by laying down His own.
Application for Today’s Christians
- Reject rebellion. We must not foster discontentment or promote division in the body of Christ. Loyalty to Christ as King requires submission, humility, and unity.
- Honor God-ordained authority. While earthly leaders may fail, Christians are called to a posture of respect and discernment, praying for those in leadership (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Be a peacemaker. Like the wise woman of Abel, Christians should seek resolution, speak with wisdom, and protect the community from destruction.
- Remain loyal to Jesus, the Son of David. In a world that often cries, “We have no part in Christ,” the church must faithfully proclaim allegiance to the true King.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. The Faithfulness of God to His Covenant
God preserved David’s kingdom despite repeated threats. This reflects His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
2. The Folly of Pride and Rebellion
Bikri’s name, meaning “youthful,” may suggest brashness or impulsiveness. His actions are a warning about pride, especially when it seeks to undermine God’s purposes.
3. God’s Use of Unexpected Instruments
The wise woman of Abel is unnamed, but her intervention was pivotal. God often uses the unexpected—whether a woman in a small city or a stable-born Savior—to carry out His plan.
4. Division as a Mark of Judgment
Just as division plagued Israel as judgment for their sins, division in the church can signal spiritual disease. Unity in Christ is a mark of God’s blessing.
Reflection Questions
- What does Bikri’s rebellion teach us about the dangers of resisting God’s chosen leadership?
- How do we see ourselves in the divided tribes of Israel—quick to argue, slow to reconcile?
- In what ways can Christians today imitate the wisdom and courage of the woman of Abel?
- Are there areas in our lives where we are saying, “We have no part in David”—resisting the Lordship of Jesus?
- How does the story of Bikri strengthen your confidence in Christ’s unshakable kingdom?
Bikri’s short but telling story reminds us that rebellion may rise, but the kingdom of God stands firm. Jesus, the greater David, reigns forever, and all who trust in Him share in His eternal kingdom.