2 Samuel 20:18

Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speake in old time, saying, They shall surely aske counsell at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Then she spoke, saying, "Formerly they used to say, 'They will surely ask {advice} at Abel,' and thus they ended {the dispute.}
- New American Standard Version (1995)

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 matter'.
- American Standard Version (1901)

Then she said, In the old days, there was a saying, Let them put the question in Abel and in Dan, saying, Has what was ordered by men of good faith in Israel ever come to an end?
- Basic English Bible

And she spoke saying, They were wont to speak in old time saying, Just inquire in Abel; and so they ended.
- Darby Bible

Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They will surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
- Webster's Bible

Then she spoke, saying, "They were used to say in old times, 'They shall surely ask counsel at Abel;' and so they settled it.
- World English Bible

and she speaketh, saying, `They spake often in former times, saying, Let them diligently ask at Abel, and so they finished.
- Youngs Literal Bible

Then she spoke, saying: 'They were wont to speak in old time, saying: They shall surely ask counsel at Abel; and so they ended the matter.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for 2 Samuel 20:18

20:18 Ask counsel - This city which thou art about to destroy, is no mean and contemptible one, but so honourable and considerable for its wisdom, that when any differences arose among any of the neighbours, they used proverbially to say, We will ask the opinion and advice as the men of Abel about it, and we will stand to their arbitration; and so all parties were satisfied, and disputes ended.