2 Samuel 20:18
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 Version
And 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Then 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 1917
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.

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…

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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 Wont
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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 Wont
2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. 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 she said
This phrase introduces the words of a wise woman from the city of Abel Beth Maacah. In the Hebrew text, the word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is a common verb used to denote speaking or declaring. The context here is significant as it highlights the role of women in ancient Israelite society, particularly in positions of wisdom and influence. This woman’s intervention is pivotal in the narrative, showcasing that God often uses unexpected voices to bring about His purposes.

Long ago they used to say
The phrase suggests a tradition or a proverb that was well-known in Israel. The Hebrew word for "long ago" is "בְּרִאשֹׁנָה" (berishonah), indicating something that was established in the past. This reflects the importance of oral tradition in ancient cultures, where wisdom and guidance were often passed down through generations in the form of sayings or proverbs. It underscores the value placed on historical wisdom and the lessons learned from the past.

Seek counsel at Abel
Abel, or Abel Beth Maacah, was a city known for its wisdom and ability to resolve conflicts. The Hebrew root for "counsel" is "עֵצָה" (etsah), which means advice or guidance. This city was renowned as a place where people could find wise counsel, suggesting it was a center of justice and wisdom. The historical context here is crucial, as it indicates that certain cities were recognized for their roles in maintaining peace and order, much like courts or centers of arbitration today.

and that is how disputes were settled
The resolution of disputes is a central theme in the governance and social structure of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "disputes" is "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei), which can refer to words, matters, or cases. The phrase implies a peaceful and wise resolution to conflicts, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and understanding in leadership. This reflects the biblical principle that God values justice and peace, and He often provides means for His people to achieve these through wise counsel and godly leadership.

(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


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OT History: 2 Samuel 20:18 Then she spoke saying They were wont (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 20:17
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