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2 Samuel 20:18: “She continued, ‘Long ago they used to say, “Get your answer at Abel,” and that settled it.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the wise woman from Abel Beth Maakah continues her conversation with Joab. She reminds Joab of her city’s historical reputation as a place where people came to seek wisdom and resolve disputes. The phrase “Get your answer at Abel” highlights how the city was once known for settling conflicts through dialogue and wisdom, not through violence or force. The woman is making a point to Joab that this city, with its legacy of peaceful resolutions, should not be destroyed in pursuit of Sheba, a single rebel.

The woman’s appeal to tradition suggests that wisdom and reason were valued in earlier times, and she is encouraging Joab to honor that heritage by seeking a peaceful solution rather than continuing the siege. This verse sets the stage for how wisdom can de-escalate a violent situation, urging Joab to reconsider his approach.

Historical Context

At this time in Israel’s history, the kingdom was experiencing division after Absalom’s rebellion, and Sheba’s revolt threatened the stability of King David’s rule. Cities like Abel Beth Maakah were significant for their strategic locations, and often had reputations for being centers of wisdom and counsel. The wise woman’s reference to the city’s past importance is a reminder of how towns like Abel served as places where people sought justice and resolution, long before military force became the norm in handling disputes.

Joab, a military leader known for his ruthlessness, had laid siege to the city to capture Sheba, who was hiding within its walls. The wise woman’s intervention, by invoking the city’s respected past, seeks to appeal to Joab’s sense of reason and restraint, highlighting that not all conflicts require forceful solutions.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the biblical theme of wisdom prevailing over violence. The woman’s appeal to the city’s history of peaceful dispute resolution reflects the value that God places on wisdom and understanding. Throughout the Bible, wisdom is depicted as a gift from God that can avert disaster and bring about peace. Her words remind us that God often works through wisdom and calm reasoning to achieve justice and reconciliation, rather than through brute force.

Theologically, this verse shows that God desires His people to seek wise and peaceful solutions to conflicts. The wise woman of Abel demonstrates that God can use individuals to stand in the gap and advocate for peace, even in the face of violence or destruction.

Literary Analysis

The repetition in the phrase “Get your answer at Abel” emphasizes the city’s historical reputation and contrasts with the current situation, where violence seems imminent. The woman’s speech stands out in the narrative, using reason and history to create a persuasive argument that opposes the bloodshed Joab is prepared to unleash. Her rhetorical strategy focuses on appealing to the past, using it as a foundation for her call to resolve the conflict without further harm.

The literary structure of this verse reflects the tension between wisdom and force, with the woman’s calm and logical appeal standing in stark contrast to the chaos of the siege. Her words serve as a reminder of the power of dialogue and wisdom, even in the midst of military conflict.

Biblical Cross-References

  • Proverbs 3:13-14: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” This verse connects to the value of wisdom, as reflected in the wise woman’s appeal to peaceful conflict resolution.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:13-15: This passage tells the story of a poor wise man who saved a city by his wisdom, showing how wisdom can avert disaster, much like the woman of Abel.
  • James 3:17: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This reflects the kind of wisdom the woman is appealing to as she tries to bring about a peaceful resolution.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern Christians, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and peaceful solutions in times of conflict. The wise woman of Abel shows that even in dire situations, we can look for ways to resolve problems without resorting to violence or force. It challenges believers to prioritize wisdom, peace, and dialogue in their relationships and communities. The verse also encourages us to honor traditions of peace and wisdom, using the past as a guide for how to handle current challenges.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is expressed in His desire for peace and reconciliation. The woman’s appeal to wisdom over violence reflects God’s heart for His people to live in peace and to resolve conflicts through understanding and wisdom, rather than destruction. God’s love is patient and kind, seeking to preserve life and relationships rather than allowing them to be torn apart by conflict. In this verse, we see God’s love working through the wisdom of an ordinary person to prevent unnecessary harm.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is often described as the embodiment of God’s wisdom. Jesus came to bring peace, not through force or rebellion, but through love, sacrifice, and wisdom. Colossians 2:3 speaks of Jesus, in whom “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Just as the woman of Abel appealed to Joab to avoid violence, Jesus calls His followers to live in peace and seek wisdom in how they handle conflict. His life and teachings offer the ultimate example of how wisdom and peace can triumph over division and destruction.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. How can we apply the wisdom of the woman from Abel in our own lives when we face conflict?
  2. What does this verse teach us about the importance of valuing peace and wisdom over force and violence?
  3. How does Jesus’ example of peace and wisdom challenge us to resolve conflicts in a way that reflects God’s love?