13. Once the body was out of the way, the people simply passed it by and joined up with Joab to go after Sheba son of Bicri.
14. Sheba son of Bicri passed through all the tribes of Israel on his way to Abel Beth Maacah. All the Berites joined together and followed Sheba.
15. When Joab and his men came to Abel Beth Maacah, they surrounded the town. They piled dirt up against the city wall and began breaking stones out of the wall to make it fall down.
16. But there was a very wise woman in that city who shouted out to them and said, “Listen to me! Tell Joab to come here. I want to talk with him.”
17. Joab went to talk with the woman. She asked him, “Are you Joab?” Joab answered, “Yes, I am.” Then the woman said, “Listen to me.” Joab said, “I am listening.”
18. Then the woman said, “In the past people would say, ‘Ask for help in Abel and you will get what you need.’
19. I am one of many peaceful, loyal people in this town. You are trying to destroy an important city of Israel. Why do you want to destroy something that belongs to the Lord?”
20. Joab answered, “I don’t want to destroy anything. I don’t want to ruin your city.
21. But there is a man in your city from the hill country of Ephraim. He is named Sheba son of Bicri. He rebelled against King David. Bring him to me, and I will leave the city alone.” The woman said to Joab, “All right. His head will be thrown over the wall to you.”