1. Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom.
2. So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don’t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead.
3. Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth.
4. When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, “Help me, Your Majesty!”
5. The king asked her, “What is troubling you?” She said, “I am a widow; my husband is dead.