Wisdom is manifested in the City

STUDY: # 842 –CHURCH IN THE HOUSES

PASTOR: EDITH CRUZ

FROM: JANUARY 6 @ 12, 2014

Topic: "Wisdom is manifested in the City" 2 Samuel 20: 14-22 Life or death was at stake for the inhabitants of a small town in Israel (Abel Beth Maakah). They needed someone to stand up and fight. It was a very difficult situation, because a fierce general, Joab, was coming to destroy the entire city because they had hidden Sheba, a bold man who opposed King David (2 Samuel 20: 1-2). Joab was a very violent man when it came to war. He was a tough man who didn’t acknowledge considerations, and was not afraid of authority. Joab went over King David himself. In addition, at the time Joab had all the brave men in his favor. That city was a place of peace, but he would destroy it as if nothing. Nobody could withstand Joab's authority, and what he was willing to do! His passion for his nation was greater than anyone who would stand up against him. Joab came from killing Absalom (David's son) and then he would join Adonijah, another son of David, to rebel against their king’s authority. Joab was aggressive, and a man filled with lots of fury. That was Joab, but HE CAME FACE TO FACE WITH WISDOM! Joab had an entire army under his command. When he reached the city, he immediately began to destroy the walls of the city (2 Samuel 20:15). He arrived with all his aggressiveness. This way he showed the inhabitants of the city the graveness of the situation. Then, A WISE WOMAN exposed herself to the danger; not caring what was said about her, she showed HER PASSION FOR HER PEOPLE (2 Samuel 20:17). SHE WANTED TO SAVE THE CITY FROM DESTRUCTION! It seems that none of the men dared to talk to Joab. No man was called upon to deal with the ferocious Joab, and rid the city of the imminent danger. SHE WAS! There was a crowd of men outside with Joab, willing to receive a cruel Sheba whichever way they could. Sheba must have been someone influential because he managed to divide the people of David, he apparently had forces and followers. But what destruction awaited that city who wanted peace! It seemed as if its inhabitants could not free it. But at the woman’s request Joab agreed to talk to her (vs.17). She proved to be a wise woman, an expert in talking and dealing with the terrible situation. WISDOM WAS IN THE WEAKER VESSEL! The treasure of wisdom is not valued less because it is found in a weaker vessel! She managed to be heard and attended to by Joab. It was not easy to reason with a man who only thought of wars, and worse, who would win! The woman had great wit. She let Joab know that the city was famous for its wisdom, this is what verse 18 means. She said that its inhabitants were peaceful, and faithful to Israel (2 Samuel 20:19). The city was like a mother to Israel, this was very important in the inheritance of the Lord. The city served as a guide and mother for other cities, and surrounding villages. Joab understood, and said he would never do something like that. (Vs. 20) Those were the words of a man who destroyed everything that was

before him, someone who was not afraid of anyone or anything; who even faced David, his king, as if he were nothing. The woman’s wisdom, strength, and passion resulted in Joab yielding and retracting all the evilness he wanted to bring to the city that he had already besieged. A decision had to be made in favor of the people of Israel. She let him see this clearly. It wasn’t a matter of Joab nor Sheba, it was about the benefit of a nation. The outcome could be tragic, Joab's decision was crucial after she finished speaking with him. But the payment was Sheba’s head, it was only fair (2 Samuel 20:21). Why should everyone pay, if Sheba was the one who had rebelled? No one else had to die! The people were not to blame for Sheba rebelling when he saw the king’s fragility during Absalom's rebellion. Now the city would be preserved in exchange for Sheba’s head. No one from Judah had to die defending themselves. The head would be thrown over the wall so it wasn’t necessary to enter the city. After the woman’s conversation with Joab, now she also had to bring her wisdom to the townspeople, who perhaps were supporters of Sheba as they had let him in. Perhaps they had let him in because Sheba threatened them, or maybe they agreed with him since David seemed weak at that time. Those of Israel followed Sheba, and Israel was greater in number than Judah. But she also convinced the people, and they cut off Sheba’s head, and they tossed it as she had promised (2 Samuel 20:22). Peace had arrived, instead of destruction. Being brave means confronting, being an expert, and cunning, having prudence; these things were well known to her, that’s how she persuaded Joab and the city. You have to know WISDOM to know how to fight thinking of all the viewpoints! You cannot omit any of the important points, nor be afraid, nor have preferences. YOU MUST BE WISE! Amen.