unfoldingWord_en_tn/2sa/20/19.md

# most peaceful and faithful in Israel

This describes the cities. Alternate translation: "most peaceful and faithful cities in Israel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

# city that is a mother in Israel

This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. Alternate translation: "city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother" or "city that is very important and that Israel respects" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?

Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh's inheritance!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# swallow up

Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate translation: "destroy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# the inheritance of Yahweh

Here the city is referred to as Yahweh's inheritance to emphasize that it belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a city that belongs to Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])