201 Now a worthless fellow happened to be there whose name was Sheba , the son of Bichri , a Benjamite e ; and he blew the trumpet and said , " We have no portion in David , Nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse ; Every man to his tents , O Israel !" 2 So all the men of Israel withdrew from following David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri ; but the men of Judah remained steadfast to their king , from the Jordan even to Jerusalem . 3 Then David came to his house at Jerusalem , and the king took the ten women , the concubines whom he had left to keep the house , and placed them under guard e and provided them with sustenance , but did not go in to them. So they were shut up until the day of their death , living as widows .
4 Then the king said to Amasa , "Call out the men of Judah for me within three days , and be present here yourself ." 5 So Amasa went to call out the men of Judah , but he delayed longer than the set time which he had appointed him. 6 And David said to Abishai , "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom ; take your lord's servants and pursue him, so that he does not find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight ." 7 So Joab's men went out after him, along with the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men ; and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri . 8 When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon , Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed e in his military attire e , and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened at his waist ; and as he went forward , it fell out. 9 Joab said to Amasa , "Is it well with you, my brother ?" And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1-9
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:1-3
(Read 2 Samuel 20:1-3)
One trial arises after another for our good, till we reach the place where sin and sorrow are for ever done away. Angry disputers misunderstand or misconstrue one another's words; proud men will have every thing their own way, or wholly refuse their assistance. The favour of the many is not to be depended upon; and what have others to expect, when Hosanna to the Son of David was soon changed to Crucify him, crucify him?
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:4-13
(Read 2 Samuel 20:4-13)
Joab barbarously murdered Amasa. The more plot there is in a sin, the worse it is. Joab contentedly sacrificed the interest both of the king and the kingdom to his personal revenge. But one would wonder with what face a murderer could pursue a traitor; and how, under such a load of guilt, he had courage to enter upon danger: his conscience was seared.