Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 20:18

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 matters.

s According to this Translation the sence is, This City which thou art about to Destroy, is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its Wisdom, and the Wise People in it, that when any differences did arise among any of the Neighbours, they used Proverbially to say, We will ask the Opinion and Advice of the Men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their Arbitration; and so all parties were satisfied, and Disputes ended. But there is another Translation in the Margent, embraced also by some others, which seems to be the best; They (i. e. The Citizens of this City) plainly (or, commonly) spake (among themselves) in the beginning (to wit, when Sheba and his Men first came into the City, and they were informed, That Ioab was pursuing him) saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end: i. e. They will peaceably Expostulate the business with us, and enquire, Why we received Sheba into our City? and whether we would deliver him up into their hands, and would inform us of the reason of their Hostile Attempt upon us, and offer to us Conditions of Peace, which by Gods Law Deut. 20. 10. they were to do even to strange, and much more to Israelitish Cities. So she doth both modestly reprove Ioab for the neglect of his Duty, and oblige him to the Performance of it.

Marginal references: Or, They plainly speak in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end.