2 Samuel 20:17

17 As he approached, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. So she said, “Listen carefully to your servant.” “I’m listening,” he said.

2 Samuel 20:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 20:17

And when he was come near unto her
As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him:

the woman said, [art] thou Joab?
she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him:

and he answered, I [am he];
the very person you ask after:

and she said unto him, hear the words of thine handmaid;
though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say:

and he answered, I do hear:
am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.

2 Samuel 20:17 In-Context

15 When Joab’s forces arrived, they attacked Abel-beth-maacah. They built a siege ramp against the town’s fortifications and began battering down the wall.

16 But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, “Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you.”

17 As he approached, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. So she said, “Listen carefully to your servant.” “I’m listening,” he said.

18 Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’

19 I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel. Why do you want to devour what belongs to the LORD ?”