Abner sent messengers as his representatives to say to David, ‘Whose land is it? Make your covenant with me, and you can be certain I am on your side to turn all Israel over to you.’
Suddenly, all the men of Israel came to the king. They asked him, ‘Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and transport the king and his household across the Jordan, along with all of David’s men? ’
by loving your enemies and hating those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside to the middle of the city gate, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother.
Abner said to David, ‘Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will reign over all you desire.’ So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
David replied, ‘Good, I will make a covenant with you. However, there’s one thing I require of you: You will not see my face unless you first bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.’