1Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
2Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
3Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
4Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
5Sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
6Sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
7Sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
8Sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
9and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
10and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
11and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
12and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
13and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
14and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
15and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
16and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
17and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
18and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
19and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
20and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
21While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house.
22While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house.
23While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house.
24While there was war between Saul’s house and David’s house, Abner made himself strong in Saul’s house.
25Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
26Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
27Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
28Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
29Then Abner was very angry about Ishbosheth’s words, and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to your father Saul’s house, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman!
30Then Abner was very angry about Ishbosheth’s words, and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to your father Saul’s house, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman!
31Then Abner was very angry about Ishbosheth’s words, and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to your father Saul’s house, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman!
32Then Abner was very angry about Ishbosheth’s words, and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to your father Saul’s house, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman!
33God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him:
34God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him:
35God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him:
36God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as the LORD has sworn to David, I don’t do even so to him:
37to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
38to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
39to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
40to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
41He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
42He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
43He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
44He could not answer Abner another word, because he was afraid of him.
45Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” and saying, “Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand will be with you to bring all Israel around to you.”
46Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” and saying, “Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand will be with you to bring all Israel around to you.”
47Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” and saying, “Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand will be with you to bring all Israel around to you.”
48Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” and saying, “Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand will be with you to bring all Israel around to you.”
49David said, “Good. I will make a treaty with you, but one thing I require of you. That is, you will not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”
50David said, “Good. I will make a treaty with you, but one thing I require of you. That is, you will not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”
51David said, “Good. I will make a treaty with you, but one thing I require of you. That is, you will not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”
52David said, “Good. I will make a treaty with you, but one thing I require of you. That is, you will not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”
53David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
54David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
55David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
56David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
57Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
58Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
59Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
60Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish.
61Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
62Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
63Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
64Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
65Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you.
66Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you.
67Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you.
68Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you.
69Now then do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’”
70Now then do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’”
71Now then do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’”
72Now then do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’”
73Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
74Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
75Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
76Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
77So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.
78So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.
79So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.
80So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast.
81Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
82Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
83Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
84Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
85Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
86Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
87Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
88Behold, David’s servants and Joab came from a raid and brought in a great plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
89When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”
90When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”
91When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”
92When Joab and all the army who was with him had come, they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”
93Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone?
94Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone?
95Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone?
96Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone?
97You know Abner the son of Ner. He came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.”
98You know Abner the son of Ner. He came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.”
99You know Abner the son of Ner. He came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.”
100You know Abner the son of Ner. He came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.”
101When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
102When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
103When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
104When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
105When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
106When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
107When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
108When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
109Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
110Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
111Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
112Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.
113Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
114Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
115Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
116Let it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house. Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”
117So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
118So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
119So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
120So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
121David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
122David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
123David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
124David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
125They buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at Abner’s grave; and all the people wept.
126They buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at Abner’s grave; and all the people wept.
127They buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at Abner’s grave; and all the people wept.
128They buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at Abner’s grave; and all the people wept.
129The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
130The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
131The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
132The king lamented for Abner, and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
133Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.”
134Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.”
135Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.”
136Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.”
137All the people came to urge David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else, until the sun goes down.”
138All the people came to urge David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else, until the sun goes down.”
139All the people came to urge David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else, until the sun goes down.”
140All the people came to urge David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else, until the sun goes down.”
141All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatever the king did pleased all the people.
142All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatever the king did pleased all the people.
143All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatever the king did pleased all the people.
144All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatever the king did pleased all the people.
145So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.
146So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.
147So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.
148So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.
149The king said to his servants, “Don’t you know that a prince and a great man has fallen today in Israel?
150The king said to his servants, “Don’t you know that a prince and a great man has fallen today in Israel?
151The king said to his servants, “Don’t you know that a prince and a great man has fallen today in Israel?
152The king said to his servants, “Don’t you know that a prince and a great man has fallen today in Israel?
153I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
154I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
155I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
156I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”