17. So Joab came near her. She asked him, “Are you Joab?”He answered, “Yes, I am.”Then she said, “Listen to what I say!”Joab said, “I’m listening.”
18. Then the woman said, “In the past people would say, ‘Ask for advice at Abel.’ Then the problem would be solved.
19. I am one of the peaceful, loyal people of Israel. You are trying to destroy an important city of Israel. Why must you destroy what belongs to the Lord?”
20. Joab answered, “May I not destroy or ruin anything.
21. That is not what I want. But there is a man here from the mountains of Ephraim. He is named Sheba son of Bicri. He has turned against King David. If you will bring him to me, I will leave the city alone.”The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown over the wall to you.”
22. Then the woman spoke very wisely to all the people of the city. They cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri. Then they threw it over the wall to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and the army left the city. Every man returned home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.