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.
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 wise woman is reminding Joab that her city of Abel was famous for giving good counsel and resolving conflicts peacefully.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, this verse occurs during a rebellion led by Sheba against King David, where Joab and his forces are besieging the city of Abel of Beth-maacah. The wise woman of the city speaks to highlight Abel's historical reputation as a place known for resolving disputes through prudent counsel, drawing on an old proverb to advocate for peaceful negotiation. This reflects the cultural emphasis in ancient Israel on wisdom and dialogue to prevent escalation of conflicts.
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