New International Version David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master’s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.” New Living Translation Then David said to Abishai, “Sheba son of Bicri is going to hurt us more than Absalom did. Quick, take my troops and chase after him before he gets into a fortified town where we can’t reach him.” English Standard Version And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” Berean Standard Bible And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” Berean Literal Bible And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. You take the servants of your lord and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape our eyes.” King James Bible And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. New King James Version And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities, and escape us.” New American Standard Bible And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.” NASB 1995 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.” NASB 1977 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight.” Legacy Standard Bible And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and deliver himself from our sight.” Amplified Bible And David said to Abishai [his nephew], “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, so that he does not find fortified cities for himself and escape from our sight.” Berean Annotated Bible And David (beloved) said to Abishai (my father is a gift), “Now Sheba (seven) the son of Bichri (youthful) will do us more harm than Absalom (my father is peace). Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us (and snatch away our eyes). Christian Standard Bible So David said to Abishai, “Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. Take your lord’s soldiers and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” Holman Christian Standard Bible So David said to Abishai, “Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. Take your lord’s soldiers and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” American Standard Version And David said to Abishai, Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight. Contemporary English Version So David said to Abishai, "Sheba will hurt us more than Absalom ever did. Take my best soldiers and go after him. We don't want him to take over any walled cities and get away from us." English Revised Version And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape out of our sight. GOD'S WORD® Translation David then told Abishai, "Sheba, son of Bichri, will do us more harm than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or he will find some fortified cities and take the best ones for himself." Good News Translation So the king said to Abishai, "Sheba will give us more trouble than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or else he may occupy some fortified towns and escape from us." International Standard Version So David told Abishai, "Now Bichri's son Sheba is about to do more damage than did Absalom. So take my personal guards and go after them. Otherwise, he'll run to one of the fortified cities and escape from us." NET Bible Then David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba son of Bicri will cause greater disaster for us than Absalom did! Take your lord's servants and pursue him. Otherwise he will secure fortified cities for himself and get away from us." New Heart English Bible David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Now then, take your lord's servants with you and pursue after him, otherwise he will get himself to fortified cities and escape from us." Webster's Bible Translation And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue him, lest he get for himself fortified cities, and escape us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” World English Bible David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue after him, lest he get himself fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David says to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri does evil to us more than Absalom; you, take the servants of your lord, and pursue after him, lest he has found fortified cities for himself, and delivered himself [from] our eye.” Berean Literal Bible And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will do more harm to us than Absalom. You take the servants of your lord and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape our eyes.” Young's Literal Translation and David saith unto Abishai, 'Now doth Sheba son of Bichri do evil to us more than Absalom; thou, take the servants of thy lord, and pursue after him, lest he have found for himself fenced cities, and delivered himself from our eye.' Smith's Literal Translation And David will say to Abishai, Now Sheba son of Bichri will do evil to us above Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants and go down after him, lest finding to himself fortified cities and he shadow our eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said to Abisai: Now will Seba the son of Bochri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou therefore the servants of thy lord, and pursue after him, lest he find fenced cities, and escape us. Catholic Public Domain Version And David said to Abishai: “Now Sheba, the son of Bichri, will afflict us more so than Absalom did. Therefore, take the servants of your lord, and pursue him, otherwise he may find fortified cities, and escape from us.” New American Bible Then David said to Abishai: “Sheba, son of Bichri, may now do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find fortified cities and take shelter while we look on.” New Revised Standard Version David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities for himself, and escape from us.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to Joab, Now Shamoa the son of Bichri will do us more harm than did Absalom; take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he find him fortified cities, and stay in them and incite a revolt against us. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said to Yuab: “Now Shamu son of Bakri does us more evil than Abishlum, but take with you some Servants of your Master and go after him, lest he will find for himself fortressed cities and he remains in them, and he will pluck out our eyes!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said to Abishai: 'Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom; take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said to Amessai, Now shall Sabee the son of Bochori do us more harm than Abessalom: now then take thou with thee the servants of thy lord, and follow after him, lest he find for himself strong cities, so will he blind our eyes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Sheba's Rebellion…5So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. 6And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” 7So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri.… Cross References And David said to Abishai, 2 Samuel 16:10 But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 2 Samuel 19:22 And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” “Now Sheba the son of Bichri 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. Deuteronomy 13:13 that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, will do us more harm than Absalom. 2 Samuel 15:6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” 2 Samuel 18:32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.” Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Samuel 2:24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. 1 Samuel 30:9 So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 1 Samuel 23:19 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? 1 Samuel 27:1 David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” 2 Samuel 17:11-12 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. / Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. Treasury of Scripture And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take you your lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. Abishai 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. 2 Samuel 3:30,39 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle… 2 Samuel 10:9,10,14 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: … do us 2 Samuel 19:7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. thy lord's 2 Samuel 11:11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. 1 Kings 1:33 The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: Jump to Previous Abishai Absalom Bichri Cities David Escape Fenced Fortified Harm Lord's Pursue Servants Sheba SightJump to Next Abishai Absalom Bichri Cities David Escape Fenced Fortified Harm Lord's Pursue Servants Sheba Sight2 Samuel 20 1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life 4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab 14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel 16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head 23. David's officers And David said to Abishai, David entrusted the pursuit of Sheba to Abishai, one of his most courageous and dependable commanders and the brother of Joab. Although Joab had recently killed Amasa, David did not immediately place him in command, perhaps recognizing the danger of allowing Joab’s violence to go unanswered. Abishai had stood faithfully with David in earlier crises, including Absalom’s rebellion and the campaigns against Israel’s enemies. David’s command shows that godly leadership requires decisive action and wise delegation when the peace of the kingdom is threatened. 2Sa 16:10 But the king replied, “What have I to do with you… “Now Sheba the son of Bichri Sheba was a Benjamite, from the tribe of Saul, whose loss of the throne still stirred resentment among some Israelites. His revolt followed closely after Absalom’s failed rebellion and exploited the division between Judah and the northern tribes. Israel’s covenant unity was endangered not only by foreign enemies but also by tribal jealousy, personal ambition, and resistance to the king God had established. 2Sa 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, … will do us more harm than Absalom. Absalom’s rebellion had nearly destroyed David’s reign and brought grief, bloodshed, and disgrace upon David’s household. Sheba’s uprising threatened to spread more rapidly because the nation was already unsettled and weary from civil conflict. David understood that rebellion left unchecked gains strength, gathers allies, and hardens divisions. The danger was not merely political; rejection of David’s rightful rule also reflected resistance to the order God had given Israel. 2Sa 15:6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king… Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, David ordered Abishai to lead the royal forces in immediate pursuit. The king’s servants included the professional troops loyal to David, especially the Cherethites, Pelethites, and mighty men. Their prompt response was necessary to protect the people from another prolonged civil war. Loyalty to the anointed king required more than words; it demanded courageous obedience in preserving the peace of God’s people. 1Sa 30:8 David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders?”… or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” Sheba needed only time to reach a defensible city and gather support behind its walls. Fortified cities could withstand attack, prolong warfare, and become centers of continuing rebellion. David acted before Sheba could establish such a stronghold, recognizing that delayed obedience often permits evil to become more entrenched. 1Sa 23:7 When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah,… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion. 2. Abishai David's nephew and a loyal military commander, tasked with pursuing Sheba. 3. Sheba son of Bichri A Benjamite who instigates a rebellion against King David, threatening the unity of Israel. 4. Absalom David's son, whose previous rebellion against David serves as a backdrop for the current crisis. 5. Fortified Cities Strategic locations that Sheba might use to strengthen his rebellion and evade capture. Teaching Points The Importance of Leadership and UnityDavid's quick response to Sheba's rebellion highlights the need for decisive leadership to maintain unity. In our lives, we should strive to support and pray for our leaders, recognizing the importance of unity in our communities and churches. Recognizing and Addressing Threats Just as David recognized the threat Sheba posed, we must be vigilant in identifying and addressing spiritual and relational threats in our lives. This requires discernment and action to prevent division and harm. Loyalty and Obedience Abishai's willingness to follow David's command demonstrates the value of loyalty and obedience to God-given authority. We should cultivate a spirit of loyalty to God and His appointed leaders, trusting in His sovereign plan. The Consequences of Rebellion Sheba's actions remind us of the destructive nature of rebellion against God's established order. We should examine our hearts for any rebellious tendencies and seek to align ourselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:6?2. How does 2 Samuel 20:6 illustrate the importance of swift action in leadership? 3. What can we learn from David's response to Sheba's rebellion in 2 Samuel 20:6? 4. How does 2 Samuel 20:6 connect to Romans 13:1 on authority? 5. How can we apply David's strategy in 2 Samuel 20:6 to spiritual battles? 6. What does 2 Samuel 20:6 teach about the consequences of delayed obedience to God? 7. Why did David send Abishai instead of Joab in 2 Samuel 20:6? 8. How does 2 Samuel 20:6 reflect on David's leadership and decision-making? 9. What does 2 Samuel 20:6 reveal about the political instability in David's reign? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20? What Does 2 Samuel 20:6 Mean And David said to Abishai• David turns to Abishai, the seasoned warrior who has stood with him since the wilderness days (1 Samuel 26:6–9; 2 Samuel 18:2). • By addressing Abishai rather than Joab, David signals a fresh start after Joab’s killing of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14) and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10). • The king’s readiness to act models godly leadership that does not delay when danger threatens (Proverbs 24:11–12). “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom.” • Sheba’s cry, “We have no share in David” (2 Samuel 20:1–2), aims to fracture the fragile unity restored after Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 19:41–43). • David discerns that a smaller spark can ignite a greater blaze when national wounds remain raw (James 3:5–6). • A rebel’s influence, if unchecked, can spread faster than a past open war—hence “more harm than Absalom.” • Scripture shows that tolerating division endangers the whole body (1 Corinthians 1:10–11). “Take your lord’s servants and pursue him” • David commissions Abishai to mobilize the royal guard—likely the Cherethites, Pelethites, and mighty men (2 Samuel 20:7; cf. 2 Samuel 8:18). • Swift pursuit mirrors David’s earlier decisive actions (1 Samuel 30:8; 2 Samuel 15:14). • Acting immediately denies rebellion the chance to root itself, echoing Paul’s counsel: “Do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27). • Obedience to godly authority protects the covenant community (Hebrews 13:17). “or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” • Ancient fortified towns could withstand siege for months; once inside, Sheba would rally allies and prolong unrest (Joshua 6:1). • David’s foresight proves accurate—Sheba later hides in Abel Beth-maacah (2 Samuel 20:14–15). • The warning illustrates how unresolved sin seeks strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4–5). • Nipping rebellion early spares God’s people needless suffering (Ecclesiastes 8:11). summary David’s words in 2 Samuel 20:6 highlight responsible, proactive leadership. He recognizes the fresh threat posed by Sheba, delegates authority to trusted hands, and insists on immediate action to keep rebellion from entrenching itself. The verse underscores the need to confront division quickly, protect unity, and rely on decisive obedience to preserve God’s people from greater harm. (6) David said to Abishai.—David is determined to pass over Joab, and, therefore, when Amasa fails in this crisis, requiring immediate action, he summons Abishai, and puts him in command of such forces as were at hand in Jerusalem, and gives him orders for the rapid pursuit of Sheba. The clause “escape us” is difficult, and doubtful in the original, and the English follows the Vulg. Others translate “pluck out our eye,” i.e., do us great harm; others as the LXX., “over shadow our eye,” meaning either cause us anxiety, or hide where we cannot find him.Verse 6. - David said to Abishai. David thus gives the command to the younger brother, and we find in ver. 7 that even "Joab's men," his own special troop, were placed under Abishai's command. There seems always to have been a firm friendship between the brothers, and at first Joab acquiesces. The king was, in fact, in so grim a humour that he probably felt that he had better keep with his men, who would protect him, instead of remaining at Jerusalem, where he would be in David's power. When Amasa joined them, Abishai would have to resign to him the command; and David probably expected that, after a successful campaign, and with the aid of the men of Judah, who were rebels like himself, Amasa would be able to crush Joab. But Joab did not intend to wait for this; and immediately on meeting his rival he murders him, and assumes the command. Thy lord's servants. These are the men enumerated in ver. 7, and formed David's usual military attendants. When war broke out, they were reinforced by a levy of the people. And escape us. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. It may signify, "and withdraw himself from our eyes," which gives the sense of the Authorized Version, and is supported by the Vulgate. The Septuagint renders, "and overshadow our eyes," which might have the same meaning, but, as others think, may signify, "and cause us anxiety." Many modern commentators render, "and pluck out our eye;" that is, do us painful damage. Either this or the Authorized Version gives a good sense, and, anyhow, rapid action was necessary, or Sheba's revolt might become dangerous.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And Davidדָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Abishai, אֲבִישַׁ֔י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name “Now עַתָּ֗ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time Sheba שֶׁ֥בַע (še·ḇa‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7652: Sheba -- two Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Bichri בִּכְרִ֖י (biḵ·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1075: Bichri -- 'youthful', a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc will do us more harm יֵ֧רַֽע (yê·ra‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3415: To be broken up, to fear than מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Absalom. אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites Take קַ֞ח (qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take your lord’s אֲדֹנֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller servants עַבְדֵ֤י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and pursue him, וּרְדֹ֣ף (ū·rə·ḏōp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute or פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction Strong's 6435: Removal, lest he will secure מָ֥צָא (mā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present fortified בְּצֻר֖וֹת (bə·ṣu·rō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 1219: To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose cities עָרִ֥ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement and elude וְהִצִּ֥יל (wə·hiṣ·ṣîl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver us.” עֵינֵֽנוּ׃ (‘ê·nê·nū) Noun - common singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 20:6 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 20:6 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 20:6 Bible.com 2 Samuel 20:6 NIV |
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