2 Samuel 20 18

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.

2 Samuel 20:18 nkjv

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.

2 Samuel 20:18 niv

She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it.

2 Samuel 20:18 esv

Then she said, "They used to say in former times, 'Let them but ask counsel at Abel,' and so they settled a matter.

2 Samuel 20:18 nlt

Then she continued, "There used to be a saying, 'If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.'

2 Samuel 20 verses

2 Samuel 20 18 Meaning

The verse captures a traditional proverb or saying of the Israelites, asserting that in former times, the city of Abel (specifically Abel-beth-Maachah) was renowned as a place where people would seek counsel, and by doing so, disputes and complex matters would be successfully resolved. It implies that Abel held a reputation as a center of wisdom, justice, and effective mediation, making it a pivotal location for conflict resolution among the people.

2 Samuel 20 18 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of Sheba's rebellion against King David. Sheba, a Benjamite, has incited a new uprising, causing Joab and David's forces to pursue him. Sheba takes refuge in Abel-beth-Maachah, a walled city in the far northern territory of Naphtali. Joab lays siege to the city, constructing a siege ramp against its wall. At this critical moment, a "wise woman" from within the city calls out to Joab. The proverb in verse 18 serves as her opening rhetorical gambit, appealing to Abel's historical reputation for peace and wisdom as a deterrent against Joab's destructive actions. She leverages the city's ancient standing as a center of dispute resolution, arguing that its destruction would be an affront to a respected Israelite institution and a place where life was preserved through counsel. Her words underscore the city's unique historical significance within Israel.

2 Samuel 20 18 Word Analysis

• Then she spoke: Refers to "a wise woman" (as revealed in verse 16) from the city of Abel-beth-Maachah. Her actions demonstrate a characteristic biblical archetype of wise women who often act as mediators or provide crucial counsel in moments of national or communal crisis. Her identity is not individually highlighted, but her role as a voice of wisdom is paramount.
• saying, ‘They were used to say in former times, “Let them ask counsel at Abel”':
  • They were used to say in former times (לֹא מִלְּפָנִים – lō milləp̄ānîm): This phrase is nuanced. While lo typically means "no" or "not," in this idiomatic context, it is understood as an emphatic affirmative, conveying "truly from ancient times" or "it was certainly said long ago." It signifies a deeply ingrained and well-established tradition. It implies a time-honored proverb, known throughout Israel, indicating Abel's long-standing fame.
  • Let them ask counsel (שָׁאוֹל יִשְׁאָלוּ – šā’ôl yiša’ălû): Derived from the Hebrew root sha’al (שָׁאַל), meaning "to ask, inquire, seek, consult." The construction here is an infinitive absolute (sha'ol) followed by the finite verb (yishalu), intensifying the verb's meaning, indicating a common practice of repeatedly and earnestly seeking counsel. This emphasizes that people regularly went to Abel for guidance.
  • at Abel (בְּאָבֵל – bə’Āḇêl): Refers to Abel-beth-Maachah. The name Abel (אָבֵל) typically means "meadow" or can relate to "mourning." However, in this context, it designates the specific city, highlighting its distinctive and widespread reputation for wisdom. Its strategic location and established name point to a city with historical depth and importance.
• and so they ended disputes’:
  • Ended disputes (וְכֵן הֵתַמוּ – wəḵēn hētammū): Literally "and thus they completed," or "thus they finished (the matter)." The root tamam (תָּמַם) means "to be complete, finished, sound, intact." This signifies a definitive and successful resolution to conflicts. The proverb emphasizes that people sought resolution in Abel and that resolution was reliably achieved, establishing its efficacy in maintaining social order and justice.

2 Samuel 20 18 Bonus section

• The "wise woman" of Abel-beth-Maachah is often linked with the "wise woman of Tekoa" (2 Sam 14), showcasing a recurring theme in Israelite history where individuals, particularly women, possessed significant wisdom and influence in crisis, acting as mediators and advisors to rulers. These instances highlight that divine wisdom is not confined to official roles but can manifest through unexpected individuals for God's purposes.
• The proverb itself suggests a specific judicial or mediatory mechanism. While not explicitly detailed, it hints at a respected system or process by which intricate problems or contentions (likely inter-tribal or inter-familial disputes) could be brought before Abel's elders or wise figures, who would then render judgments or provide guidance leading to a conclusive and accepted settlement.
• This verse provides an example of appealing to shared heritage and cultural values ("ancient traditions") as a basis for diplomatic negotiation and preventing bloodshed. The woman's tactic emphasizes that a city's spiritual and cultural value could sometimes supersede its military or political significance in the eyes of the people and even military leaders like Joab.

2 Samuel 20 18 Commentary

2 Samuel 20:18 introduces a profound statement about the historical reverence for certain locations in Israel due to their established reputation for wisdom and effective arbitration. The "wise woman" strategically invokes this well-known proverb to remind Joab of Abel-beth-Maachah's sacred standing, not merely as a fortified city but as a repository of communal wisdom and a peacemaker among the tribes. The saying "Let them ask counsel at Abel" underscores a bygone era when certain places, perhaps through their elders, judges, or a collective tradition of discernment, were recognized as impartial arbiters for complex legal or relational disputes. By destroying such a city, Joab would not only spill innocent blood but would also desecrate a historically revered symbol of justice and peace in Israel, an act potentially against divine order and Israelite tradition. The woman’s plea demonstrates an acute understanding of both military reality and cultural value, leveraging an appeal to ancient custom to halt imminent destruction. This passage highlights the biblical value placed on wise counsel and the resolution of conflict, ultimately pointing to a divine principle where wisdom, sourced rightly, brings peace and order.