Bible Strands
2 Samuel 20:17
When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joab approaches the city walls and speaks with the wise woman who summoned him. She initiates the dialogue by verifying his identity and requesting permission to address him.
The words — The Hebrew וַיִּקְרַב (va-yiqrav) literally means "and he drew near," marking the physical approach. The phrase הֲאַתָּה יוֹאָב (ha-atta Yo'av) translates directly to "are you Joab?" confirming the speaker's identity.
The thread — This encounter mirrors other biblical scenes where a woman strategically approaches a military leader to avert violence, such as 1 Samuel 25:24 and 2 Samuel 14:12. The pattern shows a deliberate rhetorical pause before counsel is offered.
Why it lands — The verse demands attention to the precise moment before counsel is given. It requires the reader to recognize that strategic communication begins with verified identity and explicit permission to speak.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.
- 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied.