9. May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him,
10. to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba."
11. And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.
12. Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, "Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you."
13. He said, "Good! I will make a covenant with you, but I demand one thing of you, namely, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see me."
14. So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."
15. Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.
16. But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go, return." So he returned.
17. Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, "In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
18. Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'"
19. Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
20. Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.