2 Samuel 20:17-19

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

¹⁷ He came near her; and the woman said, ‘Are you Joab?’ He answered, ‘I am.’ Then she said to him, ‘Listen to the words of your servant.’ He answered, ‘I am listening.’ ¹⁸ Then she said, ‘They used to say in the old days, “Let them inquire at Abel”; and so they would settle a matter. ¹⁹ I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel; why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?’