17. So Joab went toward her. She asked, "Are you Joab?" "I am," he answered. She said, "Listen to what I have to say." "I'm listening," he said.
18. She continued, "Long ago people used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel.' And that would settle the matter.
19. We are the most peaceful and faithful people in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is like a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up what belongs to the Lord?"
20. "I would never do anything like that!" Joab said. "I would never swallow up or destroy what belongs to the Lord!