Double-Minded Men

By John Madge

“Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted, ‘We have no share in David, no part in Jesse’s son! Every man to his tent, Israel!’ So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them but had no sexual relations with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows. Then the king said to Amasa, ‘Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.’ But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him. David said to Abishai, ‘Now Sheba son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master’s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.’ So Joab’s men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bikri. While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath. Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bikri.”—2 Samuel 20:1-10 (NIV)

In today’s passage of Scripture, we see three distinct types of disobedience from Sheba, Amasa, and Joab. Each of these men represents a different kind of disobedience, and while their disobedience was to King David, let it serve as a representation of our disobedience to the King of kings, Jesus.

First, there’s Sheba, a Benjamite (like Saul), who openly rebels by declaring, “We have no share in David,” and leads the northern tribes of Israel away in defiance. Keep in mind that just a few verses before this, these same men of Israel were claiming to have a stronger representation on the throne (see 2 Samuel 19:43). Sheba’s rebellion is bold and public, stirring division and sowing disloyalty among God’s people.

Then there’s Amasa, whom King David had appointed as commander in Joab’s place. David commanded him, “Summon the men of Judah to me within three days, and be here yourself.” But Amasa delayed beyond the allotted time, either out of incompetence, hesitation, or because he may have been a traitor.

Finally, we see Joab, who disobeys by taking matters into his own hands—murdering Amasa without instruction, likely under the assumption that Amasa was a traitor. This is not the first time Joab has murdered someone without a command from the king. Joab previously killed Abner and Absalom, ignoring David’s explicit commands. His pattern of insubordination is cloaked in apparent loyalty but driven by self-preservation and pride.

Sheba’s disobedience was overt, Amasa’s was passive, and Joab’s was presumptive. All three expressions reveal how dangerous it is for us to stray from the will and Word of God. Sheba's rebellion is the most visible, but Amasa's delay and Joab's murderous streak both carry serious consequences as well. Obedience isn’t just about avoiding open rebellion; it’s also about responding promptly, humbly, and faithfully to what God has said.

These moments in David’s reign reflect deeper truths about our own relationship with Christ. How often do we, like Sheba, reject Christ’s authority outright when it doesn’t suit our desires? Or like Amasa, drag our feet when obedience requires urgency and commitment? Or like Joab, assume we know better than God and act according to our own judgment, even when it conflicts with His commands?

Each example of disobedience challenges us to examine our own hearts. Obedience to God isn’t only measured by what man can see, but the inward motivation of the heart. When God selected David as the next king amongst all his seemingly more capable brothers, God told Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). Delayed obedience, partial obedience, or obedience laced with pride all fall short.

Despite the brutal realities depicted in today’s Scripture, I believe we can find encouragement and instruction in them. So, let’s be encouraged and learn from the failures of Sheba, Amasa, and Joab. Let’s not be deceived into thinking that outward obedience and works of the Law are what bring us into right standing with God. It’s only by our obedience to Christ and our belief in Him that we have right standing with the King of kings.

Pause: Which of the three examples of disobedience do you most identify with?

Practice: Which of these examples of disobedience seems most aggravating or annoying to you? Which do you see most often in others? Pray about how you may be guilty of that same type of disobedience to God.

Pray: Lord, I ask You to show me the ways in which I’m disobedient to Your Kingship in my life. I pray You’d reveal all the areas of my life that are in opposition to Your authority. I ask that after revealing them to me, I’d have the strength and humility to do whatever it is You’ve commanded me to do without dragging my feet and/or complaining. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.