24-25 Joab went straight to the king: “What’s this you’ve done? Abner shows up, and you let him walk away scot-free? You know Abner son of Ner better than that. This was no friendly visit. He was here to spy on you, figure out your comings and goings, find out what you’re up to.”

26-27 Joab left David and went into action. He sent messengers after Abner; they caught up with him at the well at Sirah and brought him back. David knew nothing of all this. When Abner got back to Hebron, Joab steered him aside at the gate for a personal word with him. There he stabbed him in the belly, killed him in cold blood for the murder of his brother Asahel.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $32.49
Save: $17.50 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Softcover, Case of 24
Retail: $479.76
Our Price: $379.99
Save: $99.77 (21%)
The Message, Numbered Edition
The Message, Numbered Edition
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars