15. Joab’s army came and attacked him in Abel (Beth Maacah). They put up a dirt ramp against the city, and it stood level with the outer wall. All the troops with Joab were trying to destroy the wall and tear it down.
16. Then a clever woman called from the city, “Listen, listen! Tell Joab to come here so that I can talk to him.”
17. He came near, and she asked, “Are you Joab?”“I am,” he answered.“Listen to what I have to say,” she told him.“I’m listening,” he answered.
18. So she said, “There’s an old saying: ‘Be sure to ask at Abel ⌊before doing anything⌋. That’s the way they settle matters.’
19. We are peaceful and faithful Israelites. Are you trying to destroy a mother city in Israel? Why should you swallow up what belongs to the Lord?”
20. Joab answered, “That’s unthinkable! I don’t wish to swallow ⌊it⌋ up or destroy ⌊it⌋.