2 Samuel 20:18

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then she spake {H559}, saying {H559}, They were wont {H1696} to speak {H1696} in old time {H7223}, saying {H559}, They shall surely {H7592} ask {H7592} counsel at Abel {H59}: and so they ended {H8552} the matter.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she said, "In the old days they used to say, 'They will ask advice at Avel'; and that would end the discussion.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.

American Standard 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 20:18, a wise woman from Abel of Beth-maachah addresses Joab, King David's commander, who is besieging her city in pursuit of the rebel Sheba. She invokes an ancient proverb or saying that highlights Abel's long-standing reputation as a place renowned for its wise counsel and ability to bring difficult matters to a definitive and peaceful conclusion. This strategic appeal to the city's esteemed history serves as a powerful argument for sparing it from destruction, setting the stage for a diplomatic resolution to a potentially devastating conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joab's pursuit of Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjaminite who had incited a new rebellion against King David immediately following the suppression of Absalom's revolt. Sheba, having fled through various Israelite territories, eventually sought refuge in Abel of Beth-maachah, a fortified city in the northern reaches of Israel. Joab, with his forces, cornered Sheba there and began constructing a siege ramp against the city wall, signaling an imminent and destructive assault. The wise woman's intervention in [2 Samuel 20:16-22](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16-22 - The Wise Woman's Intervention") is a dramatic turn, as she boldly confronts Joab, appealing to his sense of justice and the city's reputation, thereby averting what seemed to be an inevitable slaughter. Her words in verse 18 are the core of her argument, leveraging the city's past renown to negotiate its present salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abel of Beth-maachah was strategically located in northern Israel, near the border with Aram, making it a significant administrative and potentially judicial center. Its fortifications suggest its importance as a regional stronghold. The practice of seeking counsel from specific individuals or places was common in ancient Near Eastern societies, where wisdom was highly valued as a means of resolving disputes, making legal judgments, and guiding community affairs. A "wise woman" (as she is called in [2 Samuel 20:16](/2_samuel/20-16 "2 Samuel 20:16 - The Wise Woman of Abel")) was a recognized figure in Israelite society, often possessing a reputation for discernment, practical knowledge, and the ability to mediate or offer sound advice, particularly in times of crisis. Her appeal to a traditional saying about Abel underscores the cultural weight given to established reputation and the power of collective memory in shaping present actions.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes emerging from this verse and its surrounding narrative include the **power of wisdom and counsel** in averting destruction, demonstrating that diplomacy and discernment can be more effective than brute force. It also highlights the **value of reputation**, as Abel's past renown for peaceful resolution becomes its shield against Joab's wrath. The narrative further underscores the theme of **peacemaking and the preservation of life**, as the woman's courageous intervention seeks to prevent unnecessary bloodshed and uphold the sanctity of the covenant community. This aligns with broader biblical principles found in passages like [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - The Importance of Wise Counsel"), which states, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Ultimately, the story celebrates the **agency of an individual** to speak truth to power and influence the course of events for the good of the community, echoing the actions of other courageous women in Israel's history, such as Deborah in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah's Leadership").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wont (Hebrew, _yāšab'_):** While the KJV translates "wont to speak," the Hebrew verb *yāšab* primarily means "to sit," "to dwell," or "to inhabit." In this context, it implies a long-established custom or tradition, suggesting that the saying was deeply ingrained in the local culture, perhaps even originating from those who "dwelt" or "resided" in Abel. It conveys the idea of a settled, habitual practice, giving the proverb ancient authority and weight.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _`ēṣāh'_):** This noun refers to "advice," "plan," "purpose," or "counsel." It often carries a connotation of strategic wisdom, judicial deliberation, or authoritative guidance. The KJV's bracketed addition correctly clarifies the implied meaning. The use of *`ēṣāh* here emphasizes that Abel was not just a place for casual conversation but a recognized center for resolving complex issues through sagacious deliberation, leading to definitive outcomes.
* **Ended (Hebrew, _kālâ'_):** This verb means "to complete," "to finish," "to bring to an end," or "to consume." In this context, it signifies the successful and final resolution of a matter or dispute. It suggests that the counsel sought at Abel was not merely advisory but led to a conclusive and satisfying settlement, bringing closure to contentious situations. The implication is that Abel's wisdom brought about peace and finality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then she spake, saying":** This introduces the wise woman's direct and authoritative address to Joab. Her speaking is an act of courage and strategic initiative, breaking through the conventional barriers of gender and status in a military setting.
* **"They were wont to speak in old time, saying":** This phrase establishes the ancient and respected nature of the proverb she is about to quote. It appeals to tradition and the collective memory of the people, lending significant weight and credibility to her argument. It suggests that the city's reputation for wisdom was not new but deeply rooted in its history.
* **"They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel":** This is the core of the proverb, asserting Abel's renown as a place where people would go to seek definitive and wise solutions to their problems. The repetition implied by "surely ask" emphasizes the certainty and reliability of the counsel found there. It paints Abel as a beacon of wisdom and arbitration.
* **"and so they ended [the matter].":** This concluding clause highlights the effectiveness and finality of the counsel received at Abel. It implies that the advice given there was not just good but led to a conclusive and peaceful resolution of disputes, preventing further conflict or bloodshed. This directly counters Joab's current destructive intent, presenting Abel as a place of resolution, not ruin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Most prominently, it features a **Proverb** or traditional saying, which lends ancient authority and cultural weight to the woman's argument. The use of a well-known adage appeals to shared knowledge and values, making her point more persuasive. There is also a strong element of **Reputation/Honor**, as the woman strategically invokes Abel's long-standing fame for wisdom and peacemaking. This appeal to honor serves as a powerful rhetorical tool, challenging Joab to act in a manner consistent with the city's esteemed past rather than its immediate destruction. Furthermore, the woman's speech demonstrates **Strategic Rhetoric**, as she carefully crafts her words to disarm Joab and present a compelling case for preserving the city, leveraging its history as a place of resolution. The entire interaction also functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as Joab, a seasoned military commander, is outmaneuvered not by force, but by the wisdom and persuasive power of a single woman.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of the wise woman of Abel profoundly illustrates the biblical value of wisdom, not merely as intellectual acumen, but as practical discernment that leads to life and peace. It underscores God's preference for resolution over destruction, and His ability to use unexpected instruments—like a "wise woman" from a besieged city—to achieve His purposes. The appeal to "counsel" and "ending the matter" speaks to a divine order where disputes are resolved through justice and understanding, rather than unbridled violence. This echoes the broader biblical emphasis on seeking wisdom from God and applying it to life's conflicts, recognizing that true strength often lies in discernment and peacemaking.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "Wisdom from Above")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the wise woman of Abel is a timeless testament to the power of wisdom, courage, and strategic communication in de-escalating conflict and preserving life. It challenges us to consider how we approach disputes, whether personal, communal, or even international. Rather than rushing to judgment or resorting to force, the narrative encourages a posture of seeking and offering wise counsel, valuing dialogue, and appealing to shared principles of justice and peace. It reminds us that a good reputation, built on integrity and a history of wise actions, can be an invaluable asset in times of crisis. Furthermore, it highlights the profound impact one individual, even one seemingly without conventional power, can have when they speak truth with courage and discernment. We are called to be peacemakers in our spheres of influence, to seek resolution, and to champion life over destruction, trusting that God can work through our efforts to bring about His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community are conflicts currently escalating, and how might you seek or offer wise counsel to de-escalate them?**
* **How does your personal or communal reputation for integrity and wisdom impact your ability to influence positive outcomes in difficult situations?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of peacemaking and pursue resolution rather than retribution in your relationships?**
* **When faced with overwhelming force or seemingly insurmountable odds, what does the wise woman's courage teach you about speaking up for what is right?**

### FAQ
**Who was the wise woman of Abel, and why was her intervention so significant?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide her name, referring to her simply as a "wise woman" of Abel of Beth-maachah. Her significance lies in her extraordinary courage and wisdom. At a moment when her entire city was about to be destroyed by Joab, King David's commander, she took the initiative to speak directly to him. Her intervention was significant because she successfully negotiated a peaceful resolution, saving countless lives, by appealing to the city's ancient reputation for wisdom and by offering a practical solution (delivering the rebel Sheba) that satisfied Joab's objective without further bloodshed. She demonstrated that discernment and diplomacy could be more powerful than military might, embodying the biblical principle that "by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory" ([Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - The Importance of Counsel in Warfare")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wise woman of Abel's appeal to ancient counsel and the peaceful resolution of matters at Abel foreshadows the ultimate source of wisdom and peacemaking found in Jesus Christ. While Abel was a place where "they ended the matter" through human wisdom, Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the one through whom all things were created and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures of Wisdom are Hidden")). He is the ultimate "counselor" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Christ, Wonderful Counselor")), who not only gives advice but perfectly executes God's plan for salvation. Unlike the temporary peace achieved at Abel, Christ brings about an eternal peace, reconciling humanity to God through His sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), definitively "ending the matter" of humanity's sin and alienation from God, offering not just a reprieve from destruction but eternal life and true shalom. His wisdom leads to ultimate reconciliation and everlasting peace, fulfilling the deepest longings for resolution that human wisdom can only hint at.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 20:10

¶ When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

Deuteronomy 20:11

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, [that] all the people [that is] found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.