13. When he was removed out of the highway, all the people that followed Joab passed on, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
14. And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel and to Bethmaachah and all the Berites; and they were gathered together and also went after him.
15. And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and the people went against the wall; and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
16. Then a wise woman cried out in the city, Hear, hear, I pray you, tell Joab to come here, that I may speak with him.
17. And when he had come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I hear.
18. Then she spoke, saying, They used to speak in old times, saying, If you have a question ask it at Abel; and so they concluded the matter.
19. I am one of those that are peaceable and faithful in Israel, and thou seekest to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel; why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?
20. And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy.