2 Samuel 20:18
“Then she spoke, saying, “They used to say in old times, ‘They shall surely ask counsel at Abel;’ and so they settled a matter.”
What does 2 Samuel 20:18 mean?
This woman is reminding a military commander of her city's ancient reputation for wisdom and fair judgment. She's essentially saying, "Abel has always been known as a place where people came to resolve disputes peacefully, and that's how we've stayed safe." It's a gentle appeal to honor that legacy by not destroying the city in pursuit of one fugitive. She's pointing out that wisdom and dialogue can solve problems that violence cannot, and asking the commander to remember that protecting life is sometimes more important than winning a conflict.