14. He passed through all of the tribes of Israel toward Abel Beth Maakah, also passing by all of the Bikrites. Once assembled, they also came after him.
15. They came and besieged him in Abel Beth Maakah. They constructed a siege ramp against the city, standing it against the rampart. As all of the people who were with Joab were battering the city wall in order to bring it down,
16. a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Say to Joab, ‘Come closer so that I may speak with you.’ ”
17. When he came near, the woman said, “Are you Joab?”He said, “I am.”She said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant,” and he said, “I’m listening.”
18. She said, “In former times, they would say, ‘Let them inquire carefully in Abel,’ and thus they would resolve an issue.
19. I am a trustworthy and faithful one of Israel. You are attempting to destroy a city, even a mother, in Israel. Why do you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?”