2 Samuel 20:16 net — a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’”

NET Bible

"a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’”"

— 2 Samuel 20:16, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 20:16 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 20 — Context

13

Once he had removed Amasa from the path, everyone followed Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.

14

Sheba traveled through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth Maacah and all the Berite region. When they had assembled, they too joined him.

15

So Joab’s men came and laid siege against him in Abel of Beth Maacah. They prepared a siege ramp outside the city which stood against its outer rampart. As all of Joab’s soldiers were trying to break through the wall so that it would collapse,

16

a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’”

17

When he approached her, the woman asked,“Are you Joab?” He replied,“I am.” She said to him,“Listen to the words of your servant.” He said,“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

18

She said,“In the past they would always say,‘Let them inquire in Abel,’ and that is how they settled things.

19

I represent the peaceful and the faithful in Israel. You are attempting to destroy an important city in Israel. Why should you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”

2 Samuel 20:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 20:16 say?
2 Samuel 20:16 in the NET Bible reads: “a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’””
Where is 2 Samuel 20:16 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 20:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 20, verse 16.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 20:16.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 20:16 in?
2 Samuel 20:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 20:16?
2 Samuel 20:16 reads (NET): “a wise woman called out from the city,“Listen up! Listen up! Tell Joab,‘Come near so that I may speak to you.’”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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