Abner And Ish-Bosheth Break

1The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was prolonged, and David kept growing stronger, while the house of Saul kept growing weaker.

2Sons were born to David in Hebron, and his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess.

3his second, Kileab, by Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur.

4the fourth, Adonijah son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah son of Abital.

5and the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

6While the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul.

7Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why did you go in to my father’s concubine?”

8Then Abner became very angry because of Ish-bosheth’s words, and he said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? To this day I have shown covenant loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into David’s hand; yet today you charge me with guilt concerning this woman.”

9May God do so to Abner, and more also, if, just as Yahweh has sworn to David, so I do for him—

10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beer-sheba.

11And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he feared him.

12Then Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong?” saying, “Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand is with you to bring all Israel over to you.”

13He said, “Good. I will make a covenant with you. Only one thing I ask of you: You shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”

14Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

15So Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.

16Her husband went with her, walking and weeping behind her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.