The answer is: His head thrown from the city wall

2 Sam 20:1-2,14-22

The story of Sheba son of Bicri is a fascinating yet brutal chapter in King David's reign. When Sheba started a revolt, rallying support against David, he symbolized a serious threat to the monarchy. It’s interesting how, throughout the Bible, beheadings symbolize complete and utter defeat, marking a gruesome end for those who defy authority. The act of throwing Sheba's head over the wall speaks to the intensity of loyalty and the stakes involved in opposing the king.

David, once favored for his smarts and talents as a leader—remember, he was the harp-playing shepherd boy!—reveals a darker side to his kingship when it comes to dealing with revolts, blissfully echoing the old adage, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Notably, as Joab, David's commander, pursued Sheba, we see the critical role military leaders played in resolving conflicts. Perhaps very much like today’s politics, where negotiations often boil down to displays of power.

Isn’t it equally striking how David was once the outsider needing protection—remembering his time with the Philistines and King Saul—only to now bring that same threat against his loyal subjects? The whole tale sheds light on the complexity of kingship, authority, and civic order in ancient Israel, all themes that resonate through the ages, tying well into the contemporary quest for justice and peace in leadership. So, who can we trust to uphold righteousness for all people today?