2 Samuel 20:17

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.