8. Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said, and he replied, “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 help me if I don’t join David! I will make sure that what the Lord promised does happen!
10. I will take the kingdom from the family of Saul and make David king of Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba!”
11. Ish-Bosheth couldn’t say anything to Abner, because he was afraid of him.
12. Then Abner sent messengers to ask David, “Who is going to rule the land? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you unite 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.”