Bible Strands
2 Samuel 20:18
Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The woman of Abel speaks to Joab as he approaches the city walls to demand the surrender of a rebel.
The words — שָׁאֹל (sha.'Ol) and יְשָׁאֲל֛וּ (ye.sha.'a.Lu) denote the act of asking or seeking counsel. The text records her citing an old proverb that this city was historically known for resolving disputes.
The thread — This appeal to established civic procedure parallels Deuteronomy 20:10, which commands offering peace before besieging a city.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that historical precedent and institutional wisdom can serve as a legitimate check against military force.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 20:10 When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.