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.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Then she spake, saying, they were wont to speak in old time,.... It was a common saying, a proverbial expression among the ancient sages:
saying, they shall surely ask counsel at Abel, and so they…
Barnes' Notes
This was an old proverb. Abel, like Teman, and some other places, was once famous for the wisdom of its inhabitants 1Ki 4:30-31. The wise woman was herself a remnant of this traditional wisdom.
Adam Clarke
They shall surely ask counsel at Abel - This is a proverb, but from what it originated we know not; nor can we exactly say what it means: much must be supplied to bring it to speak sense. Abel was…
We have here the conclusion of Sheba's attempt.
I. The rebel, when he had rambled over all the tribes of Israel, and found them not so willing, upon second thoughts, to follow him, as they had been…
Cambridge Bible
They shall surely ask counsel at Abel Let them by all means inquire of Abel. The phrase is that commonly used for inquiring of God. Cp. ch. 2Sa 16:23. The city had been proverbial for its wisdom from…