There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew steadily stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker [to the point of being powerless].
Now while war continued between the houses of Saul and David, Abner was proving himself strong in the house of Saul.
Then Abner sent messengers to David [who was] in his place [at Hebron], saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant (treaty) with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”
Abner talked with the elders (tribal leaders) of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
So Abner came to David at Hebron, and [brought] twenty men along with him. And David prepared a feast for Abner and the men with him.
Then the servants of David came with Joab from a raid and brought a great quantity of spoil with them; but Abner was not with David at Hebron, because David had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.
When Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David knew nothing [about Joab’s action].
Then David said to Joab and to all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.
“Should Abner [the great warrior] die as a fool dies?
“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters;
As a man falls before the wicked, so you have fallen.”
And all the people wept again over him.
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