13. After Amasa’s body was taken off the road, all the men followed Joab. They went with him to chase Sheba son of Bicri.
14. Sheba went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maacah. All the Berites also came together and followed him.
15. So Joab and his men came to Abel Beth Maacah and surrounded it. They piled dirt up against the city wall so they could attack it. And they began digging under the city walls to make them fall down.
16. But a wise woman shouted out from the city. She said, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here. I want to talk to him!”
17. So Joab came near her. She asked him, “Are you Joab?”He answered, “Yes, I am.”Then she said, “Listen to what I say!”Joab said, “I’m listening.”
18. Then the woman said, “In the past people would say, ‘Ask for advice at Abel.’ Then the problem would be solved.
19. I am one of the peaceful, loyal people of Israel. You are trying to destroy an important city of Israel. Why must you destroy what belongs to the Lord?”