2 Samuel 3:6-21

Modern English Version

Abner Defects to David

⁶ While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul. ⁷ Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, and Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”

⁸ Abner became very angry over the words of Ish-Bosheth. He said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Each day I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends by not allowing you to fall into the hand of David. Yet today you are charging me with guilt concerning this woman. ⁹ May God do so to Abner, and more also, for as the Lord has sworn to David, this I will do for him, ¹⁰ to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” ¹¹ And he could not offer a response to Abner, for fear of him.

¹² So Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and my hand will be with you to bring over all of Israel to you.”

¹³ He responded, “Very well, I will make a covenant with you, but I require one thing from you: you will not see my face unless you bring Michal the daughter of Saul with you when you come to see me.” ¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for one hundred Philistine foreskins.”

¹⁵ So Ish-Bosheth sent for her, and he took her from her husband, Paltiel the son of Laish. ¹⁶ But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go. Return.” So he turned back.

¹⁷ Abner had a word with the elders of Israel, “In days past, you were seeking David as king over you. ¹⁸ So do it now, because the Lord said to David: By the hand of David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of every enemy.”

¹⁹ Abner also spoke privately with Benjamin. Then Abner went to tell David privately at Hebron all that was received favorably by Israel and the entire house of Benjamin. ²⁰ So Abner, along with twenty men, went to David at Hebron, and David held a festival for Abner and the men who were with him. ²¹ Abner said to David, “Let me arise, go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went peaceably.