20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
20 "Far be it from me!" Joab replied, "Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!
20 Joab answered, "Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!
20 Joab protested, "Believe me, you've got me all wrong. I'm not here to hurt anyone or destroy anything - not on your life!
20 And Joab answered and said, "Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy!
20 And Joab replied, "Believe me, I don't want to devour or destroy your town!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:20
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:14-22
(Read 2 Samuel 20:14-22)
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.