Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Samuel 20:16
What does 2 Samuel 20:16 mean?
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2 Samuel 20:16
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Notice how this unnamed woman doesn't just speak to Joab, but calls him to come to her. She cleverly uses her position within the besieged city, forcing the mighty commander to pause his military campaign and engage with her on her terms, a subtle yet powerful assertion of her agency. This is more than just diplomacy; it's a strategic maneuver rooted in wisdom, flipping the power dynamic through astute communication.
Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The city of Abel is under siege by Joab and his men, and they're about to tear down its walls. A clever woman from within the city intervenes, calling out to Joab to stop his destructive advance, promising to speak with him directly if he'll approach. Her intervention interrupts the military action, aiming to de-escalate the violence through dialogue.
In the heat of rebellion and war, when swords were drawn and lives hung in the balance, who speaks up? It's not a soldier or a king, but a 'wise woman'. What does that tell us about where wisdom can be found?
A Voice in the Tumult
This verse drops us into a tense moment. Sheba's rebellion is in full swing, and Joab, David's commander, is laying siege to Abel. It's a situation ripe for destruction, with the city's inhabitants caught in the crossfire.
But amidst this military showdown, a completely unexpected figure emerges: a wise woman. Her wisdom isn't about battle plans or political maneuvering; it's about de-escalation and saving lives. She doesn't wait to be asked; she calls out, demanding attention. This highlights a crucial truth: wisdom isn't confined to positions of power or specific roles. It can rise from anywhere, often in the most unlikely places, to bring peace when conflict rages.
She didn't just yell; she strategically called out to Joab. What makes her communication so effective in this critical moment?
The Art of the Urgent Plea
Her call is not a random shout but a purposeful strategy. She specifically calls for Joab, the commander in charge.
Ask a follow-up
Her approach demonstrates that effective communication, even in the midst of conflict, requires clarity, purpose, and a focus on the desired outcome—in this case, the preservation of the city and its people.
Understand the original words
chakam · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to practical discernment, insight, and the application of knowledge to life situations. In the OT, wisdom is often linked to the fear of the Lord and the ability to act prudently in complex circumstances.
This verse highlights how even in times of military crisis and rebellion, wisdom and a strategic voice from unexpected places (a wise woman in a besieged city) can bring about a peaceful resolution, averting further bloodshed.
c. 980 BC
David Reigns as King
David has established his kingdom, but faces internal and external threats.
c. 980 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
A major revolt led by David's son Absalom nearly unseats David from the throne.
c. 980 BC
Absalom's Defeat and Death
Absalom's rebellion is crushed by David's forces, but his death deeply grieves David.
c. 979 BC— this verse
Sheba's Rebellion Erupts
Following Absalom's defeat, a man named Sheba incites a new rebellion against David.
c. 979 BC
Joab Pursues Sheba
Joab, commander of David's army, leads the pursuit of Sheba and his followers.
c. 979 BC
Siege of Abel-Beth-Maacah
Joab corners Sheba's forces in the city of Abel-Beth-Maacah, preparing to attack.
This passage also features a wise person speaking from a high vantage point to offer crucial counsel, similar to the woman in 2 Samuel 20.
Proverbs 21:22This proverb highlights the power of wisdom, even from humble or overlooked sources, to overcome might and influence leaders, echoing the woman's strategy.
1 Samuel 25:3It introduces another wise woman, Abigail, who intervenes with shrewd words to prevent bloodshed, demonstrating a pattern of women using wisdom in critical moments.
2 Samuel 14:4This chapter shows a similar instance where a woman uses a clever, indirect approach to gain the king's attention and speak wisdom, mirroring the strategy in 2 Samuel 20.
Notice how this unnamed woman doesn't just speak to Joab, but calls him to come to her. She cleverly uses her position within the besieged city, forcing the mighty commander to pause his military campaign and engage with her on her terms, a subtle yet powerful assertion of her agency. This is more than just diplomacy; it's a strategic maneuver rooted in wisdom, flipping the power dynamic through astute communication.
The city of Abel is under siege by Joab and his men, and they're about to tear down its walls. A clever woman from within the city intervenes, calling out to Joab to stop his destructive advance, promising to speak with him directly if he'll approach. Her intervention interrupts the military action, aiming to de-escalate the violence through dialogue.
The city of Abel is under siege by Joab and his men, and they're about to tear down its walls. A clever woman from within the city intervenes, calling out to Joab to stop his destructive advance, promising to speak with him directly if he'll approach. Her intervention interrupts the military action, aiming to de-escalate the violence through dialogue.
"Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”" — Notice how this unnamed woman doesn't just speak to Joab, but calls him to come to her. She cleverly uses her position within the besieged city, forcing the mighty commander to pause his military…
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Last reviewed October 2026