Joab Murders Abner

22 At that moment the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much 6spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” 24 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you; why is it that you sent him away, and he has already gone? 25 Surely you realize that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you, to know vyour going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”

26 And when Joab had gone from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it. 27 Now when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab wtook him aside in the gate to speak with him privately, and there 7stabbed him xin the stomach, so that he died for the blood of yAsahel his brother.

28 Afterward, when David heard it, he said, “My kingdom and I are 8guiltless before the Lord forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 zLet it rest on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and let there never fail to be in the 9house of Joab one awho has a discharge or is a leper, who leans on a staff or falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother bAsahel at Gibeon in the battle.