18 She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it.
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.
18 Then she said, "They used to say in former times, 'Let them but ask counsel at Abel,' and so they settled a matter.
18 "There's an old saying in these parts: 'If it's answers you want, come to Abel and get it straight.'
18 So she spoke, saying, "They used to talk in former times, saying, 'They shall surely seek guidance at Abel,' and so they would end disputes.
18 Then she continued, "There used to be a saying, 'If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:18
Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:14-22
(Read 2 Samuel 20:14-22)
Justly is that place attacked, which dares to harbour a traitor; nor will the heart fare better which indulges rebellious lusts, that will not have Christ to reign over them. A discreet woman, by her prudent management, satisfied Joab, and yet saved the city. Wisdom is not confined to rank or sex; it consists not in deep knowledge; but in understanding how to act as matters arise, that troubles may be turned away and benefits secured. A great deal of mischief would be prevented, if contending parties would understand one another. Let both sides be undeceived. The single condition of peace is, the surrender of the traitor. It is so in God's dealing with the soul, when besieged by conviction and distress; sin is the traitor; the beloved lust is the rebel: part with that, cast away the transgression, and all shall be well. There is no peace on any other terms.