Then the kingsaidto his servants,"Do you not knowthat a princeand a greatmanhas fallenthisdayin Israel?
But Abnerthe sonof Ner,commanderof Saul'sarmy,had takenIsh-bosheththe sonof Sauland broughthim overto Mahanaim.
Then Abnersentmessengersto Davidin his place,saying,"Whoseis the land?Makeyour covenantwith me, and behold,my handshall be with you to bringallIsraeloverto you."
So allthe peopleand allIsraelunderstoodthat daythat it had not been[the will] of the kingto putAbnerthe sonof Nerto death.
"I am weaktoday,though anointedking;and thesementhe sonsof Zeruiahare toodifficultfor me. May the LORDrepaythe evildoeraccording to his evil."
"The abundant[in years] may not be wise,Normay eldersunderstandjustice.
So Davidsaidto Abner,"Are you not a man?And whois likeyou in Israel?Whythen have you not guardedyour lordthe king?For oneof the peoplecameto destroythe kingyour lord.