14. Sheba went through all the Israelite tribes up to Abel of Beth-maacah. All the Bichrites assembled and followed Sheba in.
15. Then Joab’s men arrived and attacked Sheba at Abel of Beth-maacah. They piled up a ramp against the city, and it stood against the outer wall. All of Joab’s troops were hammering the wall, trying to bring it down.
16. Then a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come over here, so I can talk to him."
17. So Joab approached her, and the woman said, "Are you Joab?""I am," he answered."Pay close attention to the words of your female servant," she said."I’m listening," Joab replied.
18. She said, "People used to say long ago: ‘Ask your question at Abel,’ and that settled the matter.
19. I am one of the peaceful and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to kill a city that is one of Israel’s mothers! Why would you annihilate the Lord’s inheritance?"
20. Joab answered, "I would never, ever annihilate or destroy such a thing!
21. That’s not the issue. A man named Sheba, Bichri’s son, who is from the Ephraim highlands, has rebelled against King David. Just hand him over, and I’ll leave the city alone."The woman said to Joab, "His head will be thrown over the wall to you!"
22. When the woman went to everyone with her wise counsel, they cut off the head of Sheba, Bichri’s son, and threw it out to Joab. Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and his troops left the city, returning to their homes. But Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.
23. Now Joab was in command of Israel’s army; Jehoiada’s son Benaiah commanded the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
24. Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Ahilud’s son Jehoshaphat was the recorder;
25. Sheva was secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;