15. And so, they went and besieged him at Abel and Bethmaacah. And they surrounded the city with siege works, and the city was blockaded. Then the entire crowd who were with Joab strove to destroy the walls.
16. And a wise woman exclaimed from the city: "Listen, listen, and say to Joab: Draw near, and I will speak with you."
17. And when he had drawn near to her, she said to him, "Are you Joab?" And he responded, "I am." And she spoke in this way to him, "Listen to the words of your handmaid." He responded, "I am listening."
18. And again she spoke: "A word was said in the old proverb, 'Those who would inquire, let them inquire in Abel.' And so they would reach a conclusion.
19. Am I not the one who responds with the truth in Israel? And yet you are seeking to overthrow the city, and to overturn a mother in Israel! Why would you cast down the inheritance of the Lord?"
20. And responding, Joab said: "May this be far, may this be far from me! May I not cast down, and may I not demolish.