Dealing with Division and False Leadership

Key Scriptures

2 Samuel 20:1 (CSB):
“Now a wicked man, a Benjaminite named Sheba son of Bichri, happened to be there. He blew the ram’s horn and shouted: ‘We have no portion in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Each man to his tent, Israel!’”

2 Samuel 20:22 (CSB):
“Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn, and they dispersed from the city, each to his tent. David returned to the king in Jerusalem.”

Matthew 5:9 (CSB):
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Reflection Questions

What “Shebas” (divisive voices) am I tempted to listen to instead of staying loyal to God?

How do I respond to conflict—do I escalate it like Joab or resolve it like the wise woman?

Am I helping bring unity to God’s people, or am I contributing to division?

Where is God calling me to step into the role of a peacemaker?