Get to the Point, Resolve the Conflict, Save the Day
[17] And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” [18] Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. [19] I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the LORD?” [20] Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! [21] That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” [22] Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
2 Samuel 20:17–22 ESV Read More
This is one brave lady. Joab is leading the army to stop a man that committed treason and began an uprising against King David, shortly after he returned from the whole Absalom fiasco. King David sent one guy ahead, but they weren’t sure if he was joining the bad guy or what, so they killed him. The thing is, Joab killed him and left him in the middle of the road for everyone to see how he dealt with traitors. It’s pretty graphic if you read it.
As they attack the city that Sheba is hiding in, it is pretty certain that they aren’t going to stop until they have him. This old woman comes out to the fight and asks for Joab. She knows who David sends out into the big battles, and she can see this is a big one. Joab answers and comes to talk to her and it is a very straightforward conversation.
This city is important.
Why are you attacking it?
Ok, we can settle that.
And then just like that, the city does Joab’s dirty work for him.
Consider how much labor and lives that woman saved by getting right to the point. Instead of slandering and presuming, she just asked the leader what his plan was. Once she knew clearly the cause of the whole situation, she directly set about solving it and clearing it up.
How would things be different for us if we talked directly to the people that were leading conflict against us? Depending on what you are involved in, it might save some lives, or at least some trouble. This woman is considered wise from the beginning, and by resolving the conflict directly and succinctly, she preserved her reputation and her city.
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