1 Now Joab, Zeruiah’s son, could see that the king’s mind was on Absalom.
2 So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there. He said to her, "Pretend to be in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes. Don’t anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has spent a long time mourning over someone who has died.
3 Go to the king and speak to him as follows." Then Joab told her what to say.
4 When the woman from Tekoa came to the king, she fell facedown, bowing low out of respect. "King, help me!" she said.