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?”