Chapter 20: The rebellion of Sheva Ben Bichri
1. Sheva Ben Bichri gathers the people of Israel to rebel against Dovid:
- [At the time of the controversy between the people of Israel and the people of Judah, as described in the end of the previous chapter[1]] there was a certain rebel by the name of Sheva Ben Bichri from the tribe of Benjamin [who had animosity against Dovid who took the kingship from Shaul who was from his tribe[2]].
- The shofar of rebellion is sounded: He sounded the shofar [as a sign of rebellion[3]] and proclaimed [to the people present both from the tribe of Judah and the rest of Israel] that they do not have a portion amongst Dovid and they do not have an inheritance with the son of Yishaiy, and each man of Israel is for himself and should return to his own tent.
- The people of Judah remained loyal to Dovid: When the people of Israel heard this, they left from following Dovid and began to follow Sheva Ben Bichri, however the tribe of Judah remained loyal to their king and traveled with him from the Jordan until Jerusalem.
2. Dovid segregates his concubines until the day of their death:
- Dovid returned back to his home in Jerusalem. Upon his return, the king took his ten concubines which he had left in the castle to guard the home and he had them placed in a segregated area under guard, and he provided them with all their sustenance while there. He was not intimate with them any longer [since they had relations with his son Avshalom[4]], and they became living widows until the day of their death [as they were not allowed to marry any other men being that they were the concubines of the king[5]].
______________________________________
[1] Metzudos Dovid 20:1
[2] Pirush Rav Yosef Karo 20:1
[3] Metzudos Dovid 20:1
[4] See Radak 20:3; Metzudos Dovid 20:3; Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 2:3
[5] See Ralbag 20:3
Related Articles
Daily Tanach Thursday 14th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah: Chapter 36: The Scroll Burned and Rewritten
Post Views: 18 Chapter 36: The Scroll Burned and Rewritten Command to Write the Prophecies (Verses 1–3) In Jehoiakim’s fourth year, Hashem tells Yirmiyahu: Write all the words spoken since Josiah’s reign on a scroll. Purpose: Judah might hear, repent, and receive forgiveness. Baruch Writes and Reads the Scroll (Verses
Daily Tanach Wednesday 13th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah: Chapter 35: The Rechabites’ Obedience vs. Judah’s Rebellion
Post Views: 28 Chapter 35: The Rechabites’ Obedience vs. Judah’s Rebellion Overview Hashem uses the Rechabites as a living example to rebuke Judah. Their loyalty to their ancestor’s command contrasts sharply with Judah’s persistent disobedience to Hashem’s word. This chapter emphasizes faithfulness, covenant responsibility, and the reward for obedience. The
Daily Tanach Tuesday 12th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah: Chapter 34: Broken Promises and Coming Judgment
Post Views: 25 Chapter 34: Broken Promises and Coming Judgment Overview During Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem, Hashem sends Yermiyahu to deliver two messages: one to King Tzidkiyahu about his fate, and another condemning Judah’s leaders for breaking a covenant of freedom. The chapter highlights the seriousness of violating Hashem’s commands
Daily Tanach Monday 11th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah: Chapter 33: Call to Me—Promise of Healing and the Eternal Covenant
Post Views: 26 Chapter 33: Call to Me—Promise of Healing and the Eternal Covenant Overview While Yermiyahu is still imprisoned during Jerusalem’s siege, Hashem speaks again, offering hope beyond devastation. This chapter assures restoration, joy, and an unbreakable covenant with David and the priesthood, anchored in the permanence of day
Daily Tanach Sunday 10th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah: Chapter 32: A Field of Hope Amid Siege
Post Views: 35 Chapter 33: A Field of Hope Amid Siege Overview During Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem, Yermiyahu is imprisoned for prophesying the city’s fall. In this dark moment, Hashem commands him to perform a symbolic act—buying a field—to demonstrate that restoration will follow judgment. The chapter blends despair, obedience,
Daily Tanach Thursday 7th Kisleiv Sefer Yirmiyah Chapter 31: G-ds Everlasting Love for Israel
Post Views: 47 Chapter 31: Everlasting Love and the New Covenant Overview Chapter 31 is one of the most hopeful passages in Yermiyahu, often called part of the “Book of Consolation.” It promises restoration, joy, and a new covenant written on the hearts of God’s people. After judgment and exile,
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.