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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 20 - Verse 14

20:14
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

Meaning

After conquering the city of Shechem, Abimelech continued his campaign by traveling through all the tribes of Israel. He passed through various regions such as Abel and Bethmaachah, where the men of these places joined him in his quest for power. The Berites, who were also part of the gathering, followed Abimelech as well. This verse illustrates Abimelech's ability to recruit supporters and create an army to further his ambitions. By uniting different tribes and communities under his command, Abimelech was able to strengthen his position and increase his influence in the region. The verse serves as a reminder of the political and military dynamics at play during this period in Israel's history.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse where David went through all the tribes of Israel, we see a significant moment in his quest for leadership and unity. The journey of David through all the tribes of Israel reflects his desire to unite the nation under his leadership and bring about a sense of cohesion among the people. This act also highlights the importance of David's character as a leader who is willing to reach out to every part of the nation in order to establish his reign. Additionally, the mention of Abel, Bethmaachah, and the Berites signifies the extent of David's influence and the widespread support he gathered during his journey. This verse underscores the theme of unity and leadership, showing David's determination to bring people together and consolidate his position as the rightful king of Israel.

American Standard Version

And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maacah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
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