KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Then she spoke up, saying, 'In the old days, people used to say, "If you want wise advice, go ask the people of Abel," and that would settle any dispute.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The wise woman is reminding Joab that her city of Abel was famous for giving good counsel and resolving conflicts peacefully.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Sheba's rebellion against King David, when Joab has surrounded the city of Abel Beth Maachah to capture the rebel. A wise woman from the city is negotiating with Joab to save her town. Abel was apparently known throughout Israel as a place where people could come for wise counsel and peaceful resolution of disputes.
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