[14] And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and went also after him. [15] And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. [16] Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak [17] And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. [18] Then she spake, They were wont in old time, saying, They shall surely counsel at Abel: and so they ended