New English Translation

2 Samuel 3:4-16 New English Translation (NET)

4. His fourth son was Adonijah, the son of Haggith. His fifth son was Shephatiah, the son of Abitail.

5. His sixth son was Ithream, born to David’s wife Eglah. These sons were all born to David in Hebron.

6. As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential in the house of Saul.

7. Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why did you have sexual relations with my father’s concubine?”

8. These words of Ish-bosheth really angered Abner and he said, “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah? This very day I am demonstrating loyalty to the house of Saul your father and to his relatives and his friends! I have not betrayed you into the hand of David. Yet you have accused me of sinning with this woman today!

9. God will severely judge Abner if I do not do for David exactly what the Lord has promised him,

10. namely, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah all the way from Dan to Beer Sheba!”

11. Ish-bosheth was unable to answer Abner with even a single word because he was afraid of him.

12. Then Abner sent messengers to David saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make an agreement with me, and I will do whatever I can to cause all Israel to turn to you.”

13. So David said, “Good! I will make an agreement with you. I ask only one thing from you. You will not see my face unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to visit me.”

14. David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth son of Saul with this demand: “Give me my wife Michal whom I acquired for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

15. So Ish-bosheth took her from her husband Paltiel son of Laish.

16. Her husband went along behind her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Finally Abner said to him, “Go back!” So he returned home.