The Peacemaker of Abel: A Story of Wisdom and Courage

True heroes don’t always use swords but some use their voice. Let’s meet the wise woman of Abel who not only saved herself but her city with her courage and wisdom.

Background

During the reign of King David, there arose a rebellion led by Sheba, the son of Bikri, a Benjamite. Only the men of Judah stayed with King David. The army of Sheba fled to Abel-Beth-Maacah, a strong city in the north, in the land of Naphtali (2 Kings 15:29). We don’t know if Sheba took the city by force or by consent. The army of Joab was sent by King David to capture Sheba and subdue the rebellion. Joab and his army besieged the city Abel-Beth-Maacah, this meant the destruction of the city. The people of Abel found themselves in the middle of a conflict that they didn’t start.

The Role of the Woman

Amid the rebellion stood this woman who is not named but known for her wisdom, she entreats Joab to listen to her. She reminds him that her city “we are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel, why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?” (2Samuel 20:19).

They both come up with a solution, Sheba’s head will be the ransom for the city. “Then the woman went to all her people with her wise advice…