Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speake in old time, saying, They shall surely aske counsell at Abel: and so they ended the matter. 2 Samuel 20:18 (KJV)
The verse belongs to the larger narrative of 2 Samuel 20, which records the rebellion of Sheba against King David’s rule over Israel. In this episode a wise woman from the city of Abel steps forward and addresses Joab, David’s commander, who is pursuing the rebel leader. The historical backdrop is David’s reign as the anointed king, a period marked by military victories and the expansion of the kingdom, yet also punctuated by occasional challenges to his authority. Sheba, a trouble‑making figure, incites a revolt by urging the people to abandon David and follow him.
Abel Beth‑Maachah, the city mentioned in the verse, lay in the northern part of Israel. The biblical text notes that it was a place where people sometimes went to seek counsel, suggesting a tradition of communal deliberation rather than a reputation for extraordinary wisdom. The woman’s words recall this custom: “They were wont to speak in old time… they shall surely ask counsel at Abel, and so they ended the matter.” By invoking the past practice, she urges Joab to consider the value of collective advice before pressing the attack.
Her counsel highlights a timeless principle: seeking wise guidance and weighing different perspectives can prevent hasty actions that lead to unnecessary complications. The woman reminds Joab and his troops that decisions made in isolation may produce unintended consequences, whereas consulting those with experience can bring about a satisfactory resolution.
For contemporary readers, the passage underscores the importance of humility in decision‑making. When faced with conflict or critical choices, we are encouraged to seek counsel from trusted, wise individuals rather than relying solely on our own judgment. In doing so, we honor the biblical example of the woman of Abel, who pointed to the wisdom of the past to help bring a rebellion to a peaceful conclusion.
