Abner Defects to David

3 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

¹² Abner sent messengers to David where he was,^[a] saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and I will give you my support to bring all Israel over to you.” ¹³ He said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you: you shall never appear in my presence unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”^{(A) 14} Then David sent messengers to Saul’s son Ishbaal,^[b] saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I became engaged at the price of one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”^{(B) 15} Ishbaal^[c] sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.^{(C) 16} But her husband went with her, weeping as he walked behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back home!” So he went back.^(D)