1. Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2. And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
3. And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
4. And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
5. And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
6. And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
7. And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in unto my father's concubine?
8. Then was Abner very angry because of the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah does show kindness this day unto the house of Saul your father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David, that you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman?
9. So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD has sworn to David, even so I do to him;
10. To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
11. And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
12. And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel unto you.
13. And he said, Well; I will make a league with you: but one thing I require of you, that is, You shall not see my face, except you first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.
14. And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
15. And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish.
16. And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
17. And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, You sought for David in times past to be king over you: