Mother’s Day Devotion 6

Today I want to tell you about a woman who saved an entire city—not with weapons or armies, but with wisdom. You see, there was a time when a man named Sheba rebelled against King David. He ran to the city of Abel-beth-maachah and hid there. Joab, the commander of David’s army, marched to the city with his soldiers. They surrounded the walls, built ramps, and began pounding against the stones. The people inside were terrified. They knew that if Joab broke through, the whole city would be destroyed. But inside those walls lived a woman known for her wisdom. She wasn’t a queen or a warrior; in fact we do not even know her name. She didn’t hold a title or carry a sword. Yet when she heard the sounds of destruction outside, she didn’t hide. She didn’t panic. She called out from the wall, “Listen to me! I am one who seeks peace and faithfulness in Israel.” She asked to speak with Joab himself. And when he came near, she said, “Why would you destroy a city that has always been faithful to the Lord?” Joab told her that he wasn’t after the city—only after Sheba, the rebel hiding inside. This wise woman didn’t argue. She didn’t accuse. She didn’t stir up fear. She simply said, “His head will be thrown to you over the wall.” And she went back to her people, gathered the leaders, and convinced them to hand over the man who had brought danger to their gates.

With one act of courage and wisdom, she saved her city. The army withdrew. The walls stood firm. And the people of Abel-beth-maachah lived in peace because one woman dared to speak with clarity, calmness, and courage. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is use your voice to bring peace. The wise woman of Abel didn’t fight with strength—she fought with wisdom. And God used her to protect an entire city.

The Balm of Her Story

• Wisdom is a powerful defender. The wise woman didn’t rely on force; she relied on God-given understanding to bring peace.
• Courage speaks when others stay silent. She stepped forward when her city needed a voice, proving that bravery isn’t always the strongest, loudest, or most qualified—it’s faithful.
• Peacemaking is active, not passive. She didn’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. She sought out the truth and acted with purpose. Jesus said at the sermon on the mount Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children of God.
• God uses ordinary people for extraordinary protection. She wasn’t famous or royal, yet God used her wisdom to save lives and preserve peace. God is looking for willing vessels to use not the best, most qualified.
• True leadership protects others. Her actions show that real leaders guard the vulnerable and seek solutions that honor God.
• Spiritual Mothers are needed The wise woman of Abel is a perfect example of a spiritual mother. We do not know if she had children of her own, but she stepped up, for her entire city, in the face of danger. We need spiritual mothers to step up today. We need woman brave enough to face the enemy that is coming for our younger generation.

There is a BALM for Every Daughter