Abner Joins Forces with David

6 Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul.

7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was gRizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, “Why have you hgone in to my father’s concubine?”

8 Then Abner became very angry at the words of Ishbosheth, and said, “Am I ia dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman? 9 jMay God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David kas the Lord has sworn to him—10 to transfer the kingdom from the 2house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, lfrom Dan to Beersheba.” 11 And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.

12 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, “Whose is the land?” saying also, “Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel to you.”

13 And David said, “Good, I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you: myou shall not see my face unless you first bring nMichal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” 14 So David sent messengers to oIshbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself pfor a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, from 3Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 Then her husband went along with her to qBahurim, 4weeping behind her. So Abner said to him, “Go, return!” And he returned.

17 Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 18 Now then, do it! rFor the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David, 5I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.’ ” 19 And Abner also spoke in the hearing of sBenjamin. Then Abner also went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and the whole house of Benjamin.

20 So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21 Then Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and tgather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may ureign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.