1. The war between Saul's royal house and David's royal house lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger. But the royal house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2. Sons were born to David in Hebron. His first son was Amnon. Amnon's mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
3. His second son was Kileab. Kileab's mother was Abigail. She was Nabal's widow from Carmel. The third son was Absalom. His mother was Maacah. She was the daughter of Talmai, the 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 David's wife Eglah. Those sons were born to David in Hebron.
6. The fighting continued between David's royal house and Saul's royal house. Abner gained more and more power in the royal house of Saul.
7. While Saul was still alive, he had a concubine named Rizpah. She was the daughter of Aiah. Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, "Why did you have sex with my father's concubine?"
8. Abner burned with anger because of what Ish-Bosheth said. He answered, "Do you think I'm only a dog's head? Am I on Judah's side? To this very day I've been true to the royal house of your father Saul. I've been true to his family and friends. I haven't handed you over to David. But now you claim that I've sinned with this woman!
9. "I will do for David what the Lord promised him with an oath. If I don't, may God punish me greatly.