Today is the third day of June. Welcome to the daily audio Bible. I am Brian and it is wonderful to be here with you today as we gather yet again.

And take the next step forward. Each and every day I step forward leads us through the Scriptures.

And so we have been working our way through the book of 2 Samuel and the life and reign of King David.

The ups and downs, the deep valleys, the things that have happened. His own son wanting to overthrow him and take the kingdom over and kill his father.

Absalom of course has died and we are continuing forward in the drama.

Today, 2 Samuel 20 verse 14 through 21 verse 22.

Meanwhile, Shiba traveled through all the tribes of Israel and eventually came to the town of Abelbet Meaka.

All the members of his own clan, the Bicarites, assembled for battle and followed him into the town.

When Joabs forces arrived, they attacked Abelbet Meaka. They built a sea-dramp against the town's fortifications and began battering down the wall.

But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab.

Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.

As he approached the woman asked, are you Joab?

I am, he replied. So she said, listen carefully to your servant.

I'm listening, he said. And she continued, there used to be a saying.

If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.

I am one who is peace-loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel.

Why do you want to devour what belongs to the Lord?

And Joab replied, believe me, I don't want to devour or destroy your town.

That's not my purpose. All I want is a man named Shiba son of Bikri from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David.

If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.

All right, the woman replied.

We will throw his head over the wall to you.

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