1. There was a long war between the people who supported Saul’s family and those who supported David’s family. The supporters of David’s family became stronger and stronger. And the supporters of Saul’s family became weaker and weaker.
2. Sons were born to David at Hebron. The first son was Amnon. Amnon’s mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
3. The second son was Kileab. Kileab’s mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel. The third son was Absalom. Absalom’s mother was Maacah daughter of Talmai. Talmai was king of Geshur.
4. The fourth son was Adonijah. His mother was Haggith. The fifth son was Shephatiah. His mother was Abital.
5. The sixth son was Ithream. His mother was Eglah, David’s wife. These sons were born to David at Hebron.
6. Abner made himself a main leader among the supporters of Saul. He did this during the war between the supporters of Saul’s family and the supporters of David’s family.
7. Now Saul had once had a slave woman named Rizpah. She was the daughter of Aiah. Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, “Why did you have physical relations with my father’s slave woman?”
8. Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said. Abner said, “I have been loyal to Saul and his family and friends! I didn’t hand you over to David. I am not a traitor working for Judah! But now you are saying I did something wrong with this woman!
9. May God punish me terribly if I don’t help David. I will make sure that what God promised does happen!
10. I will take the kingdom from the family of Saul. I will make David king of Israel and Judah! He will rule from Dan to Beersheba.”
11. Ish-Bosheth couldn’t say anything to Abner. He was too afraid of Abner.
12. Then Abner sent messengers to David. Abner said, “Who is going to rule the land? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you become the king of all Israel.”
13. David answered, “Good! I will make an agreement with you. But I ask you one thing. I will not meet with you unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal to me.”