13. When he had been removed from the road, everyone went on after Joab in pursuit of Sheba, son of Bichri.
14. Sheba had passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth-maacah. Then all the Bichrites assembled and they too entered the city after him.
15. So all Joab’s troops came and besieged him in Abel Beth-maacah. They built up a mound against the city, so that it stood against the rampart, and were battering the wall to knock it down.
16. Then a wise woman from the city called out, “Listen, listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, so I can speak with you.’”
17. When Joab had come near her, the woman said, “Are you Joab?” And he replied, “Yes.” She said to him, “Listen to what your servant has to say.” He replied, “I am listening.”
18. 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
19. or ended in Israel.’ You are seeking to batter down a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you wish to swallow up the heritage of the Lord?”
20. Joab answered, “Not at all, not at all! I do not wish to swallow or batter anything.