2 Samuel 20:18-20

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

¹⁸ Then she said, ‘They used to say in the old days, “Let them inquire at Abel”; and so they would settle a matter. ¹⁹ I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel; why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?’ ²⁰ Joab answered, ‘Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!