2 Samuel 3:1-11 - The House Of David Grows Stronger

¹ However, the war was prolonged between the house of Saul and the house of David. David was becoming steadily stronger, while the house of Saul was becoming increasingly weaker.

² Now sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, born to Ahinoam the Jezreelite. ³ His second son was Kileab, born to Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. His third son was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur. 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.