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.’
As for me, even though I am the anointed king, I have little power today. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil! ’
David called to Abner, ‘You’re a man, aren’t you? Who in Israel is your equal? So why didn’t you protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him?