2 Samuel 20:13-22

13As soon as he was moved from the road, everyone followed Joab and pursued Sheba, Bichri’s son.

14Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel (Beth Maacah). All the Berites were gathered together and followed him to the city.

15Joab’s army came and attacked him in Abel (Beth Maacah). They put up a dirt ramp against the city, and it stood level with the outer wall. All the troops with Joab were trying to destroy the wall and tear it down.

16Then a clever woman called from the city, “Listen, listen! Tell Joab to come here so that I can talk to him.”

17He came near, and she asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he answered. “Listen to what I have to say,” she told him. “I’m listening,” he answered.

18So she said, “There’s an old saying: ‘Be sure to ask at Abel ⌞before doing anything⌟. That’s the way they settle matters.’

19We are peaceful and faithful Israelites. Are you trying to destroy a mother city in Israel? Why should you swallow up what belongs to the Lord?”

20Joab answered, “That’s unthinkable! I don’t wish to swallow ⌞it⌟ up or destroy ⌞it⌟.

21That isn’t the case. A man from the mountains of Ephraim by the name of Sheba, son of Bichri, has rebelled against King David. Give him to me, and I’ll withdraw from the city.” “That’s fine,” the woman told Joab. “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”

22Then the woman went to all the people with her clever plan. They cut off Sheba’s head and threw it to Joab. He blew the ram’s horn, and everyone scattered and withdrew from the city and went home. Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.