We never see her name. But know her reputation.
“A wise woman….”
And she stops the destruction of her city.
As troops are battering the wall to take it down, she asks to speak with their leader. Joab. And appeals to him with humility.
“Listen to the words of your servant” (2 Samuel 20:17).
Wise counsel
The woman tells him their city is known as a place to seek wise counsel. For settling disputes.
And she shares her own faith: “I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel” (2 Samuel 20:19).
Then lays out Joab’s mistake: “You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” (2 Samuel 20:19)
Wise woman
Joab listens. Sees her wisdom. And responds with a simple solution.
Hand over the one leading a rebellion against King David.
And the wise woman is quick to promise. “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.”
Yikes!
And so it is.
His Word
Not your child’s bedtime story material. But true.
His Word. Sometimes surprising in its real-life detail.
Like Jael with her tent peg.
And this unnamed woman. Taking care of business to protect her city—“a mother in Israel”—from destruction.
Wise women
On Mother’s Day, I’m thankful for wise women in my life story who pointed me to the One and Only Savior of my soul.
My mother—teaching me to love the Lord and His Word. To never stop praying and growing.
Aunt Wilma—helping me study Scripture and apply it to my life. To see a lost world that needs the gospel.
Aunt Liz—encouraging me to be courageous and use my gifts.
Miss Bertha—challenging me to “be holy because He is holy” and “be filled with the Spirit.”
Esther—showing me what a true servant leader looks like.
And so many more.
Wise women. Reminding this follower to keep my eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Faithful and True. He is worth everything.
What about you?
Who are the wise women that have influenced your life?
Related
Fully pleasing? – In memory – Begin to know Him now – Wells along the way – Aunt Wilma – The beginning of wisdom – 2 Samuel 20 – Judges 4 – John 1 – 1 Peter 1:13-16 – Ephesians 5:8-20 –