What does 2 Samuel 20:4 Mean?

Context Summary

Like Shimei, Sheba belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. The old Saul-faction was always breaking out in rebellion, and Nathan's prediction that the sword would never cease from David's house was literally fulfilled. We must always watch against the return of our old sins.

Amasa's appointment was a mistake. He had already proved his incompetence under Absalom, and now his delay threatened disaster. David had chosen him only because he wished, at any cost, to rid himself of Joab. He could not forgive that general for slaying Absalom. The proud spirit of the old leader, however, would not brook the division of the military command, and Joab treated Amasa as he had treated Abner. An attempt was afterward made to justify the deed by casting suspicion on Amasa's loyalty. See 2 Samuel 20:11. But jealousy will catch at a straw to justify its crimes.

We turn from these deeds of blood, mindful that the heart of man is still capable of them. We are daily taught in the present European crisis, to what lengths men will go. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Only God knows it, only God can cleanse it, and only God can create a clean heart and renew a right spirit. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Samuel 20

¹  By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
³  David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
⁴  Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
¹⁴  Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
¹⁶  A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
²³  David's officers