2 Samuel 20:19: Meaning Explained
I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel:...
She says Abel is a peaceful, faithful city. Joab is trying to destroy an important mother city of Israel. Why does he want to destroy what belongs to God?
What’s Happening Here
The woman appeals to Joab's sense of right and wrong.
Key Words
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that peaceful communities have value worth protecting, and that destroying what belongs to God, whether people, places, or relationships, is a serious matter that requires careful consideration.
Did You Know?
The phrase 'mother in Israel' is a unique Hebrew expression used only a few times in the Old Testament, referring to cities that provided protection, nurture, and leadership to surrounding towns, much like a mother cares for her children.