16 Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
16 a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him."
16 Then a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, 'Come here, that I may speak to you.'"
16 But a shrewd woman called out from the city, "Listen, everybody! Please tell Joab to come close so I can talk to him."
16 Then a wise woman cried out from the city, "Hear, Hear! Please say to Joab, 'Come nearby, that I may speak with you.' "
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."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:16
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.