[1] Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: waxed stronger and the house of Saul waxed weaker [2] And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; [3] And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; [4] And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; [5] And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. [6] And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. [7] And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? [8] Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? [9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; [10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. [11] And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him. [12] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. [13] And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face. [14] And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. [15] And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son [16] And her husband with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner return. [17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king [18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. [19] And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. [20] So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty with him. And David made Abner that were with him a feast. [21] And Abner said unto David, I will arise and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David Abner away; in peace. [22] And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, in peace. [23] When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, in peace. [24] Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite [25] Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and to know all that thou doest.