2 Samuel 20:15-16 All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.”
Pillars and columns are used for structural reinforcement. Pillars bear the weight of the building providing support and aesthetic appeal. Pillars distribute the load from the roof to the floors and to the foundation. Pillars provide durability, longevity and stability to a building. Pillars are the skeleton of a structure. Daughters of the righteous are described as carved, decorated pillars who give structure, form and fortification. Our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace (Psalm 144:12b). There are hidden heroes and heroines in the Bible who are not celebrated enough but have been a strong pillar to their homes, community and country. Influence does not come by position or title but from godly wisdom.
There is an incident that is recorded in 2 Samuel 20. There was a rebel Sheba who mobilized a mob against King David. He took his troop and hid in the city called Abel Beth Maakah. So, King David’s commander-in-chief surrounded the city and laid siege. While they were breaking through the walls of the city, an unnamed wise woman called out to Joab. She reasoned with Joab and resolved the impending calamity in the city. She built her case elegantly and presented her argument respectfully. “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?” (vs 18-19). She was the hidden pillar who saved the city from catastrophe. Hidden Pillars are not loud and argumentative but are polite, respectful and wise.
Three lessons from hidden pillars:
1. Reasoning: Hidden pillars are not rash, but reasonable and logical. The wise unnamed woman spoke gently to Joab and saved her city and her family. She reasoned before she placed her request. Influential people are the same. They are not quick to judge, grudge or condemn. They don’t argue, they only logically and politely analyze and reason.
2. Respectful: Influential people are respectful. He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?” (vs 17a). She didn’t share her thoughts and strategies with everyone. She respectfully approached the commander-in-chief. Influencers are visionaries who are respectful and strategic in their approach.
3. Resolving: Influencers don’t talk about the problem. They only discuss solutions. This unnamed wise woman was able to get the attention of the political authority and discuss solutions. She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.” “I’m listening,” he said (vs 17b).
Divine wisdom will make us a hidden pillar and a powerful influence in our home, community and society.
2 Samuel 20:22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice.
Prayer: Father God, teach me your ways and give me your wisdom to be a hidden pillar. Amen.
Leave a Reply