V 1: CAREFUL David is careful to enquire of the Lord before approaching the cities of Judah. God tells him to go to Hebron. V 2–4a: CROWNED The men of Judah are pleased to crown David as their king. V 4b–7: CONFIRMATION David confirms the bravery and loyalty of the men of Jabesh-Gilead, in burying Saul, by promising to repay their kindness. All Judah understands that David never wanted to oppose Saul. V 8–11: CONTRARY The old commander of Saul’s army, Abner, has Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, crowned as the king of Israel at Mahanaim. For seven years and six months, David will be the king over Judah alone. During that period, the other eleven tribes of Israel will not recognise him as their king. V 12–17: CONFLICT Inevitable conflict between Abner, leading Israel for Ishbosheth, and Joab, David’s commander for Judah, leads to an almost Olympic-style contest in which all contestants are killed. A fierce battle ensues which is won by the servants of David. V 18–32: COMMUNICATION Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, all sons of Zeruiah, fight against Abner. Asahel chases Abner and, refusing to turn from pursuing him, is killed by Abner’s thrusting the blunt end of a spear through him while fleeing from him. Joab and Abishai continue the pursuit up to the point when the tribe of Benjamin is set for a further battle that would be very bloody. Abner and Joab shout to each other and agree to call off the battle at that stage. Abner and his fleeing troops return to Mahanaim, and Joab and his men to Hebron after Asahel is buried in Bethlehem. Nineteen of David’s servants and 360 of Abner’s men are killed.