Study Guide: 2 Samuel 20
*This study guide can be used in conjunction with the message preached on October 26, 2025 during the series Imperfect Heroes.
Pray
Pray and ask God to help you be a peacemaker in every part of your life.
Read
2 Samuel 20
Observe
vv. 1–2 | Sheba’s rebellion
Sheba, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, rose up in rebellion after Absalom’s defeat. He blew a trumpet and declared that Israel had no part in David, urging everyone to return to their tents. The ten northern tribes deserted David and followed Sheba, while the tribe of Judah stayed loyal to their king. Sheba used three common tactics of rebellion. First, he rejected David’s authority, claiming David had no right to rule. Second, he mocked David’s humble beginnings by calling him “the son of Jesse.” Third, he encouraged people to go their own way, leading them into division. As G. Campbell Morgan pointed out, Sheba’s words were a catchy slogan, but catchy phrases can be dangerous when used to stir rebellion. The ten tribes had recently argued with Judah about honoring David, but their quick desertion showed they cared more about pride than about loyalty. Division is a natural tendency in people, but God calls His people to preserve unity through humility, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1–3). When others divide or desert, it is an opportunity for those who remain to show deeper loyalty. In the same way, believers today should stay loyal to Jesus even when others mock, rebel, or when He feels distant.
Vs. 3 | David puts away the women Absalom violated
When David returned to Jerusalem, he placed the ten concubines Absalom had violated into seclusion. He provided for them, but he did not treat them as wives again. Their tragic situation shows how sin spreads suffering to others. These women were victims of Absalom’s sin, but also of David’s earlier failure. They lived the rest of their lives in forced widowhood, a sad reminder that our choices often wound people around us.
vv. 4–5 | David tells Amasa to raise an army
David ordered Amasa, his new commander, to gather the men of Judah within three days to fight Sheba. Amasa had been Absalom’s general, but David had appointed him commander of his own army to help heal the nation after the rebellion. David understood the urgency of dealing with Sheba quickly, remembering how Absalom’s delay had cost him victory. But Amasa failed to meet the deadline. He was not capable of handling the responsibility, showing that David’s effort to reconcile by giving him command was not successful.
vv. 6–7 | David sends Abishai and the royal guard
Since Amasa delayed, David told Abishai to pursue Sheba before he could hide in fortified cities. Abishai, Joab’s brother, led David’s special guard, and the mighty warriors marched out with him. Joab still commanded in the field, but Abishai was officially placed over him.
vv. 8–10 | Joab murders Amasa
At Gibeon, Joab met Amasa, who had finally joined the troops. Pretending to greet him warmly, Joab took Amasa by the beard as if to kiss him, but then struck him in the stomach with a hidden sword. Amasa died from the wound, and Joab continued after Sheba. Joab’s actions revealed his ruthless nature. He killed Amasa partly out of jealousy—since Amasa had taken his position—but also because he doubted Amasa’s loyalty to David. Joab’s violent method of solving problems highlights how deeply ambition and suspicion can corrupt a person.
vv. 11–14 | Joab takes command and rallies the troops
One of Joab’s men called everyone to follow Joab in loyalty to David. Amasa’s body was quickly moved from the road so the army would not be distracted. Once that was done, the soldiers united under Joab’s command and pursued Sheba. Joab marched through Israel, and though Sheba gained support, Joab found many who were still faithful to David.
vv. 15–22 | The end of Sheba’s rebellion
Sheba fled to the city of Abel, and Joab laid siege against it. As the walls were being battered, a wise woman called for Joab and asked why he would destroy an entire city of peaceful people. Joab explained that he only wanted Sheba, not the city. The woman persuaded the people to hand Sheba over, and they cut off his head and threw it over the wall. The rebellion ended, and Joab returned to David. Sheba thought the city walls would protect him, but no one is safe when opposing God’s will. In the same way, sin hidden in our hearts must be dealt with, or it will destroy us. Though Sheba’s rebellion was crushed, the tension between Judah and the other tribes lingered, foreshadowing the eventual permanent split of the kingdom after Solomon’s reign.
vv. 23–26 | David’s second administration
After Sheba’s rebellion, David reorganized his administration. Joab once again commanded the army, though he had gained his position through violence. Other key leaders served in government, military, and spiritual roles, showing that David’s strength did not rest only on himself but on the capable team he led. One of these men, Ira the Jairite, seems to have served as David’s personal chaplain. If David—the man after God’s heart—needed spiritual help and accountability, then believers today should also value godly guidance and support in their walk with the Lord.
Credit: Guzik, David. “2 Samuel 20 - The Rebellion of Sheba.” Enduring Word, n.d., https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-samuel-20.
Application
1. Beware of division and rebellion.
Sheba stirred up division with catchy words that sounded persuasive but were rooted in pride and rebellion. In the same way, we must be cautious not to follow slogans, trends, or voices that encourage division in families, churches, or communities. Instead, God calls us to protect the unity He has given us in Christ.
2. Sin hurts more than just the sinner.
David’s concubines lived the rest of their lives in forced widowhood because of Absalom’s sin—and David’s past failures. Our choices can deeply impact others, often in ways we don’t foresee. This should make us careful about the paths we choose and compassionate toward those who suffer because of sin.
3. Ruthlessness may bring results, but it is not God’s way.
Joab was effective as a leader, but he used manipulation, violence, and jealousy to get what he wanted. His story reminds us that success achieved through selfishness or cruelty does not honor God. True leadership requires integrity, humility, and trust in the Lord’s timing.
4. God’s will always prevails.
Sheba thought the city walls of Abel would keep him safe, but nothing can protect those who stand against God. In the same way, hidden sin or rebellion in our lives cannot ultimately stand. The wise woman in Abel shows us that peace and wisdom, not pride and rebellion, lead to true security.
Pray (ACTS)
What is the ACTS prayer model?
A - Praise God for being the only King who can truly bring peace.
C - Confess any jealousy or pride you have allowed to take root in your heart.
T - Thank God for His Son Jesus.
S - Ask God for help to pursue peace instead of division with someone you are in conflict with right now.
DISCUSS
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
What does Sheba’s rebellion teach us about how easily division can spread among God’s people?
Why do you think Sheba’s slogan, “We have no share in David,” was so effective in turning people away from the king?
How can we guard ourselves today against catchy but dangerous ideas or movements that lead to rebellion against God’s truth?
Judah stayed loyal to David while the other tribes deserted. What does this teach us about the importance of standing firm when others walk away?
David secluded the concubines who had been violated by Absalom. How does their sad story remind us that sin always harms more than just the sinner?
Amasa delayed in carrying out David’s command. What can this teach us about the dangers of hesitation or half-hearted obedience?
Joab killed Amasa with deceit and violence. What does this show about his character, and what warnings can we take from his actions?
Even though Joab was ruthless, people followed him because he was effective. What does this say about how we sometimes value results over integrity?
The wise woman in Abel brought peace by her courage and wisdom. What does her example teach us about the power of godly wisdom in difficult situations?
Sheba thought the walls of Abel could protect him. How does this illustrate the futility of trying to resist God’s will?
Joab agreed to spare the city if Sheba was handed over. What does this show about the difference between justice and destruction?
David’s administration depended on a team of capable leaders, including spiritual counselors. How does this remind us of the importance of community and accountability in our own walk with God?
Resources for Further Study of 2 Samuel