Today is the third day of June. Welcome. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian.

Grateful to be here with you. As always, as always, glad that we can gather and take another step forward on a never-ending journey with the scriptures and an ever-ending relationship

with the God of the Bible.

So I am thrilled to take the next step forward with you.

I lead us back into 2nd Samuel today, chapter 20, verse 14 through 21, verse 22.

Shiba went through all the Israeli tribes up to Ebel, Abed Meyaka.

All the Bicrites assembled and followed Shiba in.

Then Joab's men arrived and attacked Shiba at Ebel at Betmeyaka. They piled up a ramp against

the city and it stood against the outer wall. All of Joab's troops were hammering the wall, trying to bring it down.

Then a wise woman called from the city,

Listen, listen, tell Joab to come over here so I can talk to him.

So Joab approached her, and the woman said, are you Joab? I am, he answered.

Pay close attention to the words of your female servant, she said.

I'm listening, Joab replied.

She said, people used to say long ago, ask your question at Abel. And that settled the matter.

I am one of the peaceful and faithful in Israel,

but you are trying to kill a city that is one of Israel's mothers.

Why would you annihilate the Lord's inheritance?

Joab answered, I would never, ever annihilate or destroy such a thing.

That's not the issue.

A man named Shiba, Bikri's son, who is from Ephraim's highlands as rebelled against King David.

Just hand him over and I'll leave the city alone.

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