33-34 Then the king sang this tribute to Abner:

Can this be? Abner dead like a nameless bum?
You were a free man, free to go and do as you wished—
Yet you fell as a victim in a street brawl.

And all the people wept—a crescendo of crying!

35-37 They all came then to David, trying to get him to eat something before dark. But David solemnly swore, “I’ll not so much as taste a piece of bread, or anything else for that matter, before sunset, so help me God!” Everyone at the funeral took notice—and liked what they saw. In fact everything the king did was applauded by the people. It was clear to everyone that day, including all Israel, that the king had nothing to do with the death of Abner son of Ner.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $4.00 (40%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Devotional Bible LeatherLike, Brown
The Message Devotional Bible LeatherLike, Brown
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John - eBook
The Message Gospel of John - eBook
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.99
Save: $1.00 (20%)
The Message Devotional Bible, Softcover
The Message Devotional Bible, Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars