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.”
22. Then the woman spoke very wisely to all the people of the city. They cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it over the city wall to Joab. So Joab blew the trumpet and the army left the city. The soldiers went home, and Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.
23. Joab was captain of the whole army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada led the Kerethites and Pelethites.
24. Adoniram led the men who were forced to do hard work. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the historian.
25. Sheva was the secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.
26. And Ira from Jair was David’s personal priest.