5.
6.
7.
8.
purpose. If you are not leading, gender
is not the reason. When Sheba escaped
into Abel, the residents were put at risk.
The city came under siege and was about
to be destroyed along with its dwellers.
However, this wise woman arose and
became an intermediary for her people.
She reached an agreement with Joab,
and this no doubt pleased her people
because when she returned to speak
with them, they were willing to do as she
said. Notice that they followed her lead
willingly and none mentioned her gender.
She had become a deliverer; therefore,
her gender did not matter.
This mother in Israel did
not ask to speak to anyone
other than Joab because she
knew only he could make the
final decision as far as that
circumstance was concerned
Wise women are bold and fearless. This
woman was not afraid to confront Joab
although he was supposed to be an
enemy out to destroy her and the city in
which she dwelt.
Wise women are intermediaries. They
stand between their people and the
enemy seeking a resolution to the issues
at hand and the restoration of peace to
everyone concerned.
Wise women identify the one with whom
they should dialogue. This mother in
Israel did not ask to speak to anyone
other than Joab because she knew only
he could make the final decision as far as
that circumstance was concerned. Many
times, we waste precious time discussing
with people who are in no position to
give us what we want. Before you enter
dialogue, you must first ensure that the
person you are dialoguing with has the
authority to give you what you want, else
you would have wasted your time.
9.
Great women choose their battles
carefully. They know when there is no
need to fight. And when there is no need
to fight, they refrain from fighting. War is
not always the answer to peace.
10. Great women do not take on matters that
do not concern them. They have no time
for sentiments. Sheba had a problem with
David obviously because he was a rebel
but that did not concern the people of the
city of Abel as they were not part of his
rebellion. The mother in Israel ensured
that her community did not suffer for
Sheba’s rebellion. It was no business of
theirs, and they were not going to get
involved. She was a wise woman, a great
woman, and a leader.
Wise women go the extra mile to prove
their loyalty. Joab asked her to deliver
DOZ Magazine | May 2020
Sheba, and he and his men would leave
the city. The woman went the extra
mile by offering him Sheba’s head so
he would be assured Sheba was dead
and no longer a threat. I believe she did
this to demonstrate to Joab that she
and indeed the entire inhabitants of the
city were on David’s side and not only
ready to surrender Sheba but to kill him
themselves. So, when Joab departed from
the city, there was no doubt in his heart
as to the loyalty of those people to King
David.
10