And when he was come near unto her,.... As he did, upon the information of his men, that a woman on the wall had something to say to him:
the woman said, [art] thou Joab? she was willing to be satisfied that he was really the general, before she would impart her mind to him:
and he answered, I [am he]; the very person you ask after:
and she said unto him, hear the words of thine handmaid; though a woman, vouchsafe to hear what I have to say:
and he answered, I do hear: am ready to hear, and shall patiently and attentively hear whatever may be spoken; which was giving her leave and encouragement to proceed.