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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />She continued, &#8220Long ago they used to say, &#8216Get your answer at Abel,&#8217 and that settled it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask <i>counsel</i> at Abel: and so they ended <i>the matter</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So she spoke, saying, “They used to talk in former times, saying, ‘They shall surely seek <i>guidance</i> at Abel,’ and so they would end <i>disputes.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, “In the past they used to say, ‘They will undoubtedly ask <i>advice</i> at Abel,’ and that is how they ended <i>a dispute.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, &#8220Formerly they used to say, &#8216They will surely ask advice at Abel,&#8217 and thus they ended the dispute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, “Formerly they used to say, ‘They will surely ask <i>advice</i> at Abel,’ and thus they ended <i>the dispute.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, “Formerly they used to speak <i>in this way</i>, saying, ‘They will surely ask <i>advice</i> at Abel,’ and thus they ended <i>the dispute</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then she said, “In the past people used to say, ‘They will certainly ask <i>advice</i> at Abel,’ and so they settled <i>the dispute</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />She said, “In the past they used to say, ‘Seek counsel in Abel,’ and that’s how they settled disputes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />She said, &#8220In the past they used to say, &#8216Seek counsel in Abel,&#8217 and that&#8217s how they settled disputes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />She said, "Long ago people used to say, 'If you want good advice, go to the town of Abel to get it.' The answers they got here were all that was needed to settle any problem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then she spake, saying, they were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So she said, "There's an old saying: 'Be sure to ask at Abel [before doing anything]. That's the way they settle matters.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />She said, "Long ago they used to say, 'Go and get your answer in the city of Abel'--and that's just what they did. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So she said, "In days past, people used to settle a dispute by saying 'Let's ask for advice at Abel!' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the woman said, ?Long ago they used to say, ?Seek counsel at Abel,? and that is how disputes were settled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />She said, "In the past they would always say, 'Let them inquire in Abel,' and that is how they settled things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then she said, "In the past they used to say, 'Let them inquire in Abel and in Dan whether<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They will surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying, “They used to say in old times, ‘They shall surely ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And she speaks, saying, “They spoke often in former times, saying, Let them diligently inquire at Abel, and so they finished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and she speaketh, saying, 'They spake often in former times, saying, Let them diligently ask at Abel, and so they finished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And she will say, saying, They will speak the word in the beginning, saying, They will ask an asking in Abel: and thus they finished.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And she again said: A saying was used in the old proverb: They that inquire, let them inquire in Abela: and so they made an end. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And again she spoke: “A word was said in the old proverb, ‘Those who would inquire, let them inquire in Abel.’ And so they would reach a conclusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then she went on to say: “There is a saying from long ago, ‘Let them ask if they will in Abel or in Dan whether loyalty is finished<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then she said, “They used to say in the old days, ‘Let them inquire at Abel’; and so they would settle a matter.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then she said, They used to say in old time, They first inquire of the prophets, then they destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The woman spoke, saying: “They would say from ancient time ‘To inquire, they would inquire of the Prophets and then they would destroy‘<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then she spoke, saying: 'They were wont to speak in old time, saying: They shall surely ask counsel at Abel; and so they ended the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And she spoke, saying, Of old time they said thus, Surely one was asked in Abel, and Dan, whether the faithful in Israel failed in what they purposed; they will surely ask in Abel, even in like manner, whether they have failed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6278" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/20.htm">Sheba's Rebellion</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Then the woman said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: ḇā·ri·šō·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-fs) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">“Long ago</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">they used to say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bə·rū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: šā·’ōl (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">‘Seek counsel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: yə·šā·’ă·lū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/59.htm" title="59: bə·’ā·ḇêl (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Meadow, two places in Pal. From 'abel; a meadow; Abel, the name of two places in Palestine.">at Abel,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: wə·ḵên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">and that is how</a> <a href="/hebrew/8552.htm" title="8552: hê·ṯam·mū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive.">disputes were settled.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Judges 9:53</a></span><br />But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:14-15</a></span><br />There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. / Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2</a></span><br />So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">2 Samuel 11:21</a></span><br />Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24-31</a></span><br />She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-32.htm">2 Kings 19:32-34</a></span><br />So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. / I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-33.htm">Isaiah 37:33-35</a></span><br />So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. / ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a></span><br />Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a></span><br />When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-16.htm">2 Chronicles 10:16</a></span><br />When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24-26</a></span><br />And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. / The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.</p><p class="hdg">They were wont, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10,11</a></b></br> When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-43.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-13.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/judges/9-8.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/judges/11-27.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">End</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-18.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-20.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-38.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-42.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Often</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-18.htm">Question</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-1.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-7.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Used</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Wont</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-12.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-10.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-3.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-5.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-31.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-5.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-21.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-28.htm">Often</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-5.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-13.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-12.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-24.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-18.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-4.htm">Used</a> <a href="/psalms/119-132.htm">Wont</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">Joab pursues Sheba to Abel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">David's officers</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the woman said</b><br>This phrase introduces a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah, who plays a crucial role in resolving the conflict between Joab and the city. Her intervention highlights the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in leadership, echoing the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to Deborah in <a href="/judges/4.htm">Judges 4</a>.<p><b>Long ago they used to say</b><br>This reflects a historical tradition, indicating that the city of Abel had a longstanding reputation for wisdom and counsel. It suggests a time-honored practice, emphasizing the value of historical precedent and the respect for established customs in ancient Israelite society.<p><b>‘Seek counsel at Abel,’</b><br>Abel Beth Maacah was known as a place where people sought guidance and resolution for their disputes. This reputation underscores the city's role as a center of wisdom and justice, akin to other biblical locations like Jerusalem, which was later established as a center for worship and legal matters (<a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a>).<p><b>and that is how disputes were settled.</b><br>The phrase indicates that Abel was a place where conflicts were resolved peacefully through wise counsel, rather than through violence. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>, where peacemakers are called blessed. It also foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation brought by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_woman_of_abel.htm">The Wise Woman of Abel</a></b><br>A key figure in this passage, she is known for her wisdom and plays a crucial role in negotiating peace and preventing the destruction of her city.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abel_beth_maacah.htm">Abel Beth Maacah</a></b><br>A city in northern Israel, known historically as a place where wise counsel was sought. It becomes the focal point of the account as Joab pursues Sheba, a rebel against King David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of King David's army, tasked with quelling the rebellion led by Sheba. He is known for his military prowess and decisive, sometimes ruthless, actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheba_son_of_bichri.htm">Sheba son of Bichri</a></b><br>A Benjamite who leads a rebellion against King David, seeking to divide the kingdom. His actions prompt Joab's pursuit to Abel Beth Maacah.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel, whose authority is being challenged by Sheba's rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom_and_counsel.htm">The Value of Wisdom and Counsel</a></b><br>Wisdom is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts and should be sought in times of trouble.<br><br>The wise woman of Abel exemplifies how godly wisdom can avert disaster and bring peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_peacemakers.htm">The Role of Peacemakers</a></b><br>Peacemakers play a crucial role in God's kingdom, and their efforts can prevent unnecessary destruction and loss.<br><br>We are called to be peacemakers in our communities, using wisdom and discernment to resolve conflicts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>Just as Abel was known for wise counsel, we should seek godly advice in our lives, especially when facing difficult decisions.<br><br>Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals can help guide us in the right direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Sheba's rebellion against King David serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's anointed leaders.<br><br>Rebellion leads to division and destruction, whereas submission to God's authority brings peace and unity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/joab's_key_bible_achievements_lessons.htm">What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_20,000_deaths_in_2_sam_18_7_realistic.htm">Does the reported death toll of 20,000 men (2 Samuel 18:7) reflect a realistic military outcome for that period, or is it exaggerated?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_a_child_for_david's_sin.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:7-14, why would a just God inflict punishment on an innocent child for David's sin, seemingly contradicting Ezekiel 18:20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_2_samuel_18_events.htm">Do archaeological findings or historical records outside the Bible provide evidence confirming or contradicting the events described in 2 Samuel 18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Ask counsel at Abel.</span>--The simplest and most obvious explanation is here the true one, viz., that Abel had become proverbial for its wisdom. An ancient Jewish interpretation, which has been incorporated into the Targum, is, however, of sufficient interest to be mentioned: "Remember now that which is written in the book of the Law to ask a city concerning peace at the first? Hast thou done so, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?" The reference is to <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm" title="When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.">Deuteronomy 20:10</a>, &c.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They were wont to speak,</span> etc. The Hebrew literally is, <span class="accented">they used to say in old time, They shall surely ask at Abel</span>; <span class="accented">and so they finished</span> (<span class="accented">the matter</span>). But of these words two completely distinct interpretations are given. The Jewish Targum records the one: "Remember now that which is written in the book of the Law, to ask a city concerning peace at the first. Hast thou done so, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?" The woman, that is, was referring to the command in <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10</a>, not to besiege a city until peace had been offered to the inhabitants on condition of their paying tribute. When a city was captured the lot of the inhabitants, as the woman declares in ver. 19, was utter destruction; and the Law mercifully gave them the chance of escaping such a fate. Joab had not complied with this enactment, but had assumed that the people would support Sheba, and was proceeding to the last extremity without consulting them. This interpretation gives an excellent sense, but cannot be wrung out of the present Hebrew text without violence. The other interpretation is that of the Authorized Version, that the woman was commending her words to Joab, by reminding him that Abel had been famed in early times for its wisdom, and had probably been the seat of an oracle in the old Canaanite times. When, therefore, people had carried their dispute to Abel, both sides were content to abide by the answer given them, and so the controversy was ended. Literally, these words mean, "they shall surely inquire at Abel," the verb being that specially used of inquiring of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then [the woman] said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Long ago</span><br /><span class="heb">בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ri·šō·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in place, time, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they used to say,</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Seek counsel</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאֹ֧ל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Abel,’</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאָבֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ā·ḇêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_59.htm">Strong's 59: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abel -- 'meadow', two places in Palestine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and that is how</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disputes were settled.</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵתַֽמּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ṯam·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8552.htm">Strong's 8552: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete or finished</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 20:18 Then she spoke saying They were wont (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 20:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>