17. I thought that you would reassure me. You are like God’s Messenger, who is able to distinguish right from wrong. May the Lord your God be with you!”
18. The king said to the woman, “Please don’t refuse to answer the question I’m going to ask you.”The woman responded, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”
19. “Did Joab put you up to this?” the king asked.The woman answered, “I solemnly swear on your life, Your Majesty, you are absolutely right. Yes, your servant Joab ordered me ⌊to do this⌋. He told me to say exactly what I said.