As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, to recognize and celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, I wanted to highlight an unnamed woman from Abel-Beth-Maacah, a city Joab, the commander of King David’s army, was besieging. Her story which is found in 2 Samuel 20, teaches us how intelligence and diplomacy can triumph over conflict and destruction.
As her city trembled under the attack, she called for Joab and spoke with him directly. Instead of responding with fear, she used wisdom and negotiation to resolve the crisis, reminding Joab that Abel-Beth-Maacah was known as a city of wisdom and peace (2 Samuel 20:18). By doing this, she appealed to his sense of reason rather than escalating hostility. This forced the army commander to rethink his approach. She further offered a peaceful solution, proposing a compromise on each end — instead of destroying the entire city, they would simply hand over Sheba, the true culprit. This woman took action by relaying Joab’s demand to her people, who quickly executed Sheba and threw his head over the wall to Joab. With the rebellion crushed, Joab withdrew his army, and her city was saved.
My charge to all of us is this, let us invest in nurturing women in Christ to become forces in our societies. A wise woman can birth great nations and communities, filled with peace and love. Despite being women in male-dominated societies, our wisdom and good leadership can turn the tide of history and save many.
Wishing every woman out there a Happy International Women’s day and let us use this opportunity to make a positive difference in our communities with God being our helper.
XOXO,
Lady Abena