That daythe battlewas verysevere,and Abnerand the menof Israelwere beatenbeforethe servantsof David.
Then Abnersaidto Joab,"Nowlet the youngmenariseand holda contestbeforeus." And Joabsaid,"Let them arise."
Eachoneof them seizedhis opponentby the headand [thrust] his swordin his opponent'sside;so they felldowntogether.Therefore that placewas calledHelkath-hazzurim,whichis in Gibeon.
Now there was a longwarbetweenthe houseof Sauland the houseof David;and Davidgrewsteadilystronger,but the houseof Saulgrewweakercontinually.
The beginningof strifeis [like] lettingout water,So abandonthe quarrelbeforeit breaksout.