2Sam020 A Kingdom Intact

No sooner does David cross the Jordan and return from exile, then he faces rebellion against from within his kingdom once again. This time the revolt is centered in the northern tribes which feel slighted over Judah's private escort of David back to Jerusalem. As tempers flared, a worthless man named Sheba instigated attack on the kingdom and led the men of Israel off to form a rival kingdom. David tapped Amasa to suppress the revolt, but once again, Joab takes charge, killing Amasa, and tracking down Sheba to Abel. However, once in Abel, a wise woman emerges from the city and reproves Joab for violating the provisions of Deuteronomy 20:10. After some skilfull manuevering, the wise lady got Joab to relent from attacking and persuaded the city residents to execute justice upon Sheba. When all is said and done in chapter 20, the kingdom is intact.