In spite of their recent affirmation of loyalty to David, the ten northern tribes are quick to defect under the leadership of Sheba (20:1–7). Using a rallying cry that will be repeated when the kingdom is divided after Solomon (1 Kings 12:16), Sheba reasserts the power the tribe of Benjamin lost after the death of Saul. David enters Jerusalem without fanfare and tries to deal with the new crisis. But first he dismisses his ten concubines from the palace and places them under guard in separate quarters since they are linked with the first rebellion, when Absalom slept with them.

True to his promise, David appoints Amasa commander over the army and orders him to take action against Sheba. When Amasa moves too slowly, David asks the veteran general Abishai to take charge, again ignoring his…