Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Sheba's Conspiracy Against David, and his Death

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Sheba's Conspiracy Against David

Following the tumultuous events of Absalom's rebellion, King David faced another insurrection led by a man named Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. This episode is recorded in 2 Samuel 20. Sheba capitalized on the existing tensions between the tribes of Israel and Judah, declaring, "We have no share in David, no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tent, O Israel!" (2 Samuel 20:1). His call to rebellion resonated with many Israelites, who abandoned David to follow Sheba.

David, recognizing the threat posed by Sheba, acted swiftly to quell the rebellion. He instructed Amasa, whom he had appointed as commander of the army in place of Joab, to muster the men of Judah within three days. However, Amasa delayed, prompting David to send Abishai, Joab's brother, to pursue Sheba. Joab, despite being replaced, took command of the forces and pursued Sheba to the city of Abel Beth Maacah.

At Abel Beth Maacah, Joab's forces besieged the city. A wise woman from the city negotiated with Joab, leading to the beheading of Sheba and the end of the rebellion. Sheba's head was thrown over the wall to Joab, who then sounded the trumpet, signaling the end of the siege and the return of the troops to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 20:22).

David's Death

David's reign, marked by both triumphs and trials, eventually drew to a close. As he aged, his health declined, and he was unable to keep warm, even when covered with blankets (1 Kings 1:1). His servants sought a young woman named Abishag the Shunammite to attend to him and keep him warm, though the king did not have relations with her.

During this time, Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempted to usurp the throne. He declared himself king, supported by Joab and Abiathar the priest. However, Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened. They reminded David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. David reaffirmed this promise and ordered that Solomon be anointed as king, which was carried out by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:39).

David's final instructions to Solomon were filled with wisdom and guidance. He charged Solomon to walk in the ways of the Lord, to keep His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as written in the Law of Moses, so that he would prosper in all he did (1 Kings 2:3).

David reigned over Israel for forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. After his death, he was buried in the City of David. His legacy as a man after God's own heart, a warrior king, and a psalmist endures throughout the Scriptures and in the hearts of believers. Solomon succeeded him, ushering in a period of peace and prosperity for Israel.

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2 Samuel 20:1
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the ark of the covenant"The Philistine dominion over Israel; Samuel, Saul ... of
Saul"The struggle between Ish-bosheth and David"David sole king, and the ...
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