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.