Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. New Living Translation Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’ English Standard Version Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. Berean Standard Bible Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So she spoke, saying, “They used to talk in former times, saying, ‘They shall surely seek guidance at Abel,’ and so they would end disputes. New American Standard Bible Then she spoke, saying, “In the past they used to say, ‘They will undoubtedly ask advice at Abel,’ and that is how they ended a dispute. NASB 1995 Then she spoke, saying, “Formerly they used to say, ‘They will surely ask advice at Abel,’ and thus they ended the dispute. NASB 1977 Then she spoke, saying, “Formerly they used to say, ‘They will surely ask advice at Abel,’ and thus they ended the dispute. Legacy Standard Bible Then she spoke, saying, “Formerly they used to speak in this way, saying, ‘They will surely ask advice at Abel,’ and thus they ended the dispute. Amplified Bible Then she said, “In the past people used to say, ‘They will certainly ask advice at Abel,’ and so they settled the dispute. Christian Standard Bible She said, “In the past they used to say, ‘Seek counsel in Abel,’ and that’s how they settled disputes. Holman Christian Standard Bible She said, “In the past they used to say, ‘Seek counsel in Abel,’ and that’s how they settled disputes. 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. Contemporary English Version She said, "Long ago people used to say, 'If you want good advice, go to the town of Abel to get it.' The answers they got here were all that was needed to settle any problem. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation So she said, "There's an old saying: 'Be sure to ask at Abel [before doing anything]. That's the way they settle matters.' Good News Translation She said, "Long ago they used to say, 'Go and get your answer in the city of Abel'--and that's just what they did. International Standard Version So she said, "In days past, people used to settle a dispute by saying 'Let's ask for advice at Abel!' Majority Standard Bible Then the woman said, ?Long ago they used to say, ?Seek counsel at Abel,? and that is how disputes were settled. NET Bible She said, "In the past they would always say, 'Let them inquire in Abel,' and that is how they settled things. New Heart English Bible Then she said, "In the past they used to say, 'Let them inquire in Abel and in Dan whether Webster's Bible Translation Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They will surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. World English Bible Then she spoke, saying, “They used to say in old times, ‘They shall surely ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she speaks, saying, “They spoke often in former times, saying, Let them diligently inquire at Abel, and so they finished. Young's Literal Translation and she speaketh, saying, 'They spake often in former times, saying, Let them diligently ask at Abel, and so they finished. Smith's Literal Translation And she will say, saying, They will speak the word in the beginning, saying, They will ask an asking in Abel: and thus they finished. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd she again said: A saying was used in the old proverb: They that inquire, let them inquire in Abela: and so they made an end. Catholic Public Domain Version And again she spoke: “A word was said in the old proverb, ‘Those who would inquire, let them inquire in Abel.’ And so they would reach a conclusion. New American Bible Then she went on to say: “There is a saying from long ago, ‘Let them ask if they will in Abel or in Dan whether loyalty is finished New Revised Standard Version Then she said, “They used to say in the old days, ‘Let them inquire at Abel’; and so they would settle a matter. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen she said, They used to say in old time, They first inquire of the prophets, then they destroy. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The woman spoke, saying: “They would say from ancient time ‘To inquire, they would inquire of the Prophets and then they would destroy‘ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then she spoke, saying: 'They were wont to speak in old time, saying: They shall surely ask counsel at Abel; and so they ended the matter. Brenton Septuagint Translation And she spoke, saying, Of old time they said thus, Surely one was asked in Abel, and Dan, whether the faithful in Israel failed in what they purposed; they will surely ask in Abel, even in like manner, whether they have failed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sheba's Rebellion…17When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. 18Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. 19I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”… Cross References Judges 9:53 But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. / Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. 2 Samuel 11:21 Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’” 1 Samuel 25:24-31 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ... 2 Kings 19:32-34 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. / I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” Isaiah 37:33-35 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. / ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” Matthew 12:42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. Luke 11:31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, 2 Chronicles 10:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, Acts 7:24-26 And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. / The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ Treasury of Scripture Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. They were wont, etc. Deuteronomy 20:10,11 When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it… Jump to Previous Abel Advice Ago Continued Counsel Dan Diligently Dispute End Ended Faith Finished Formerly Good Inquire Israel Matter Often Ordered Question Settled Speak Surely Time Used WontJump to Next Abel Advice Ago Continued Counsel Dan Diligently Dispute End Ended Faith Finished Formerly Good Inquire Israel Matter Often Ordered Question Settled Speak Surely Time Used Wont2 Samuel 20 1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life 4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab 14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel 16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head 23. David's officers Then the woman said This phrase introduces a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah, who plays a crucial role in resolving the conflict between Joab and the city. Her intervention highlights the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in leadership, echoing the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to Deborah in Judges 4. Long ago they used to say ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Wise Woman of AbelA key figure in this passage, she is known for her wisdom and plays a crucial role in negotiating peace and preventing the destruction of her city. 2. Abel Beth Maacah A city in northern Israel, known historically as a place where wise counsel was sought. It becomes the focal point of the account as Joab pursues Sheba, a rebel against King David. 3. Joab The commander of King David's army, tasked with quelling the rebellion led by Sheba. He is known for his military prowess and decisive, sometimes ruthless, actions. 4. Sheba son of Bichri A Benjamite who leads a rebellion against King David, seeking to divide the kingdom. His actions prompt Joab's pursuit to Abel Beth Maacah. 5. King David Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel, whose authority is being challenged by Sheba's rebellion. Teaching Points The Value of Wisdom and CounselWisdom is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts and should be sought in times of trouble. The wise woman of Abel exemplifies how godly wisdom can avert disaster and bring peace. The Role of Peacemakers Peacemakers play a crucial role in God's kingdom, and their efforts can prevent unnecessary destruction and loss. We are called to be peacemakers in our communities, using wisdom and discernment to resolve conflicts. The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel Just as Abel was known for wise counsel, we should seek godly advice in our lives, especially when facing difficult decisions. Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals can help guide us in the right direction. The Consequences of Rebellion Sheba's rebellion against King David serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's anointed leaders. Rebellion leads to division and destruction, whereas submission to God's authority brings peace and unity.(18) Ask counsel at Abel.--The simplest and most obvious explanation is here the true one, viz., that Abel had become proverbial for its wisdom. An ancient Jewish interpretation, which has been incorporated into the Targum, is, however, of sufficient interest to be mentioned: "Remember now that which is written in the book of the Law to ask a city concerning peace at the first? Hast thou done so, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?" The reference is to Deuteronomy 20:10, &c.Verse 18. - They were wont to speak, etc. The Hebrew literally is, they used to say in old time, They shall surely ask at Abel; and so they finished (the matter). But of these words two completely distinct interpretations are given. The Jewish Targum records the one: "Remember now that which is written in the book of the Law, to ask a city concerning peace at the first. Hast thou done so, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?" The woman, that is, was referring to the command in Deuteronomy 20:10, not to besiege a city until peace had been offered to the inhabitants on condition of their paying tribute. When a city was captured the lot of the inhabitants, as the woman declares in ver. 19, was utter destruction; and the Law mercifully gave them the chance of escaping such a fate. Joab had not complied with this enactment, but had assumed that the people would support Sheba, and was proceeding to the last extremity without consulting them. This interpretation gives an excellent sense, but cannot be wrung out of the present Hebrew text without violence. The other interpretation is that of the Authorized Version, that the woman was commending her words to Joab, by reminding him that Abel had been famed in early times for its wisdom, and had probably been the seat of an oracle in the old Canaanite times. When, therefore, people had carried their dispute to Abel, both sides were content to abide by the answer given them, and so the controversy was ended. Literally, these words mean, "they shall surely inquire at Abel," the verb being that specially used of inquiring of God. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then [the woman] said,וַתֹּ֖אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Long ago בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙ (ḇā·ri·šō·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank they used to say, דַּבֵּ֨ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue ‘Seek counsel שָׁאֹ֧ל (šā·’ōl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand at Abel,’ בְּאָבֵ֖ל (bə·’ā·ḇêl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 59: Abel -- 'meadow', two places in Palestine and that is how וְכֵ֥ן (wə·ḵên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus disputes were settled. הֵתַֽמּוּ׃ (hê·ṯam·mū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8552: To be complete or finished Links 2 Samuel 20:18 NIV2 Samuel 20:18 NLT 2 Samuel 20:18 ESV 2 Samuel 20:18 NASB 2 Samuel 20:18 KJV 2 Samuel 20:18 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 20:18 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 20:18 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 20:18 French Bible 2 Samuel 20:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 20:18 Then she spoke saying They were wont (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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