2 Samuel 20:18
2 Samuel 20:18 in Multiple Translations
Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.
Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
Then she said, In the old days, there was a saying, Let them put the question in Abel and in Dan, saying, Has what was ordered by men of good faith in Israel ever come to an end?
Then the woman said, “In times gone by people used to say, ‘If you want advice, go to Abel,’ and that's how arguments were settled.
Then shee spake thus, They spake in the olde time, saying, They shoulde aske of Abel. and so haue they continued.
and she speaketh, saying, 'They spake often in former times, saying, Let them diligently ask at Abel, and so they finished.
Then she spoke, saying, “They used to say in old times, ‘They shall surely ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter.
Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They will surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter .
And she again said: A saying was used in the old proverb: They that inquire, let them inquire in Abela: and so they made an end.
She said, “Long ago people used to say, ‘Go to Abel town to get good advice about your problems.’ And that is what people did.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
דַּבֵּ֨ר
יְדַבְּר֤וּ
בָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָה֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
שָׁאֹ֧ל
יְשָׁאֲל֛וּ
בְּ/אָבֵ֖ל
וְ/כֵ֥ן
הֵתַֽמּוּ
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
דַּבֵּ֨ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Ptc
יְדַבְּר֤וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
בָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָה֙
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Prep | Adj
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁאֹ֧ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Ptc
יְשָׁאֲל֛וּ
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/אָבֵ֖ל
ʼÂbêl
H59
Abel
Prep | N-proper
וְ/כֵ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Conj | Part
הֵתַֽמּוּ
tâmam
H8552
to finish
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:18
וַ/תֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דַּבֵּ֨ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Ptc
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְדַבְּר֤וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָה֙
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁאֹ֧ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Ptc
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
יְשָׁאֲל֛וּ
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בְּ/אָבֵ֖ל
ʼÂbêl
H59
"Abel"
Prep | N-proper
Abel refers to two places in Palestine, one of which is a city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah. The name Abel is also associated with a city called Abel-beth-maachah.
Definition: A city in northern Israel near Bethmaachah Another name of a.vel bet-ma.a.khah (אָבֵל בֵּית־מֲעַכָה "Abel-beth-maachah" H0062)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Abel. See also: 1 Samuel 6:18; 2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Samuel 20:18.
וְ/כֵ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הֵתַֽמּוּ
tâmam
H8552
"to finish"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 20:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:18
Context — Sheba’s Rebellion
16a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.”
17When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered.
18Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled.
19I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” 20“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 20:10–11 | When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. |
2 Samuel 20:18 Summary
This verse talks about a city called Abel, where people would go to get advice and resolve their disagreements peacefully. The woman is using this example to tell Joab that they should try to resolve their conflict in a peaceful way, rather than fighting, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:18. This reminds us that God values peace and wisdom, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and James 3:17-18. By seeking counsel and wisdom, we can find peaceful solutions to our problems, just like the people of Abel did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'Seek counsel at Abel' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'Seek counsel at Abel' refers to the city of Abel, which was known for its wise and peaceful resolution of disputes, as indicated in 2 Samuel 20:18, and is similar to the concept of seeking wisdom and guidance found in Proverbs 24:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Samuel 20?
This verse is part of a conversation between a wise woman and Joab, where the woman is trying to persuade Joab not to attack the city, and is using the example of Abel to illustrate the importance of seeking peaceful resolution, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:16-17.
What can we learn from the woman's approach to conflict resolution in this verse?
The woman's approach shows that seeking counsel and peaceful resolution is often a more effective and God-honoring way to resolve conflicts, as taught in Matthew 18:15 and Romans 12:18.
How does this verse reflect the value of wisdom and discernment in decision-making?
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5, in order to make decisions that are pleasing to God and beneficial to all parties involved.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek counsel and wisdom, and how can I apply the example of Abel to those situations?
- How can I, like the wise woman, use my words and actions to promote peace and resolution in conflicts, as taught in Ephesians 4:29-32?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize seeking God's wisdom and guidance in my decision-making, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I balance the need for justice and accountability with the importance of seeking peaceful resolution, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:19-20?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of preserving and protecting the 'mother cities' in my own life and community, as referenced in 2 Samuel 20:19?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:18
Then she spake, saying, they were wont to speak in old time,.... It was a common saying, a proverbial expression among the ancient sages: saying, they shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel, and so they ended [the matter].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:18
Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. They were wont to speak in old time.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
According to this translation the sense is, This city which thou art about to destroy is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its wisdom, and the wise people in it, that when any differences did arise among any of the neighbours, they used proverbially to say, We will ask the opinion and advice of the men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their arbitration; and so all parties were satisfied, and disputes ended. But there is another translation in the margin, embraced also by some others, which seems to be the best: They (i. e. the citizens of this city) plainly (or, commonly) spake (among themselves) in the beginning, (to wit, when Sheba and his men first came into the city, and they were informed, that Joab was pursuing him,) saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end. They will peaceably expostulate the business with us, and inquire why we received Sheba into our city; and whether we would deliver him up into their hands, and would inform us of the reason of their hostile attempt upon us, and offer to us conditions of peace, which by God’ s law, , they were to do even to strange, and much more to Israelitish cities. So she doth both modestly reprove Joab for the neglect of this duty, and oblige him to the performance of it.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
2 Samuel 20:18 Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel: and so they ended [the matter].Ver. 18. They shall surely ask counsel at Abel,] q.d., You need not take scorn to take my counsel, since I was born and bred at Abel, the common oracle of the whole country, and so famous for wisdom, as some places are for folly, that people came from all parts to take advice there; the men of Abel were so well seen in the laws. Most interpreters think that in these words, read according to the margin, she had respect to Deuteronomy 20:10-11, and blamed Joab that he had not first made proposals of peace: therefore in the next verse she saith in the name of her city, "I am one of those which are peaceable," i.e., which will not refuse the offer and order of peace. Baeotum in patria, crassoque sub aere natus. Brabanti quo magis senescunt eo magis stultescunt. - Erasm. [Saw so well into.]
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
(18) Ask counsel at Abel.—The simplest and most obvious explanation is here the true one, viz., that Abel had become proverbial for its wisdom. An ancient Jewish interpretation, which has been incorporated into the Targum, is, however, of sufficient interest to be mentioned: “Remember now that which is written in the book of the Law to ask a city concerning peace at the first? Hast thou done so, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?” The reference is to Deuteronomy 20:10, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
Verse 18. They shall surely ask counsel at Abel] This is a proverb, but from what it originated we know not; nor can we exactly say what it means: much must be supplied to bring it to speak sense. Abel was probably famed for the wisdom of its inhabitants; and parties who had disputes appealed to their judgment, which appears to have been in such high reputation as to be final by consent of all parties. To this the wise woman refers, and intimates to Joab that he should have proceeded in this way before he began to storm the city, and destroy the peaceable inhabitants.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:18
18. They shall surely ask counsel at Abel] Let them by all means inquire of Abel. The phrase is that commonly used for inquiring of God. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 16:23. The city had been proverbial for its wisdom from ancient times; men consulted it as an oracle for the settlement of their disputes; a city of such reputation, loyal moreover and peaceable, ought not, she implies, to be thus attacked. Possibly she means further to hint, that if Joab had consulted the inhabitants, as men were wont to do in olden times, and had negotiated for the surrender of Sheba, the siege might have been avoided. This rendering is certainly preferable to that in the margin: They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end: which means that at the beginning of the siege the inhabitants expected Joab to communicate with the city and offer terms, in accordance with the law which prescribed that a city should be summoned to surrender before it was besieged (Deuteronomy 20:10 ff.). An ancient Jewish interpretation however explains the passage to refer to that law, for the Targum renders: “Remember now that which is written in the book of the law, to ask a city concerning peace at the first. Hast thou so done, to ask of Abel if they will make peace?” The Sept. rendering may be noted as curious, but is probably derived from a corrupt text and not to be adopted. “It was asked [conj. let them ask] in Abel and in Dan whether the customs have failed which the faithful of Israel ordained.”
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:18
This was an old proverb. Abel, like Teman, and some other places, was once famous for the wisdom of its inhabitants 1 Kings 4:30-31. The wise woman was herself a remnant of this traditional wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
18. They were wont to speak in old time — Translated thus, the verse means that in former times Abel had been celebrated for the wisdom of its inhabitants, and persons were wont to resort thither for counsel.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Fighting to Keep Unity by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Bible about a wise woman who saves her city from a siege. The woman approaches Joab, a military leader, and proposes a solut |