Abner sent messengers to David. Abner said, “Who do you think should rule this country? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you become the ruler of all the people of Israel.”
David touched the hearts of all the people of Judah, so that they agreed like one man. The people of Judah sent {a message} to the king. They said, “You and all your officers come back!”
All the Israelites came to the king. They said to the king, “Our brothers, the people of Judah, stole you away and brought you and your family across the Jordan River with your men. Why?”
You love the people who hate you, and you hate the people who love you. Today you have made it clear that your officers and men mean nothing to you. I can see that you would be perfectly happy if Absalom had lived and all of us had been killed today!
David answered, “Good! I will make an agreement with you. But I ask you only one thing: I will not meet with you until you bring Saul’s daughter Michal to me.”
Abner said to David, “My lord and king, let me go bring all the Israelites to you. Then they will make an agreement with you. And you will rule over all Israel, like you wanted.”
When Abner arrived at Hebron, Joab took him to one side in the middle of the gateway to talk with him in private. And then Joab stabbed Abner in the stomach, and Abner died. Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel. So now Joab killed Abner.