2 Samuel 3

The war between the houses drags on, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul weaker. During this time David has six sons in Hebron from six different mothers. Abner, growing strong in the house of Saul, takes Rizpah, one of Saul's concubines. Ish-bosheth accuses him of it — sleeping with a royal concubine was tantamount to a claim on the throne — and Abner responds with fury, reminding Ish-bosheth that he has been the prop of his kingship and threatening to transfer his loyalty to David. He immediately opens negotiations with David, who demands as a condition the return of Michal, his first wife, the daughter of Saul. Michal is taken from her husband Paltiel, who follows weeping all the way to Bahurim, where Abner orders him back. David and Abner meet at Hebron, feast together, and come to agreement. Abner goes in peace.

Joab returns from a raid to find that Abner has been at Hebron and has been sent away. He confronts David privately, argues that Abner came to spy, and then goes after Abner without David's knowledge. He sends messengers calling Abner back to the gate of Hebron, takes him aside in the gateway as if to speak privately, and stabs him under the fifth rib in revenge for Asahel. David, when he learns of it, declares publicly that he and his kingdom are guiltless of Abner's blood. He orders Joab to mourn and himself follows the bier weeping, fasts all day, and composes a lament: 'Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters.' All the people weep again and perceive that it was not of the king to slay Abner. The political damage is contained, but David says of Joab and his brother: 'These men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me.'