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

¹ There was a long war between the royal families of Saul and David. David's family became stronger and stronger. Saul's family became weaker and weaker.

² Sons were born to David while he was in Hebron. His first son was Amnon, born to Ahinoam from Jezreel. ³ The second was Chileab, whose mother was Abigail, Nabal's widow from Carmel. The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur. ⁴ The fourth son was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith. The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital. ⁵ The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah. All of these sons were born in Hebron.

⁶ The fighting continued between David's forces and the forces loyal to Saul's family. Abner became more and more powerful among Saul's followers. ⁷ Saul had a concubine named Rizpah. She was Aiah's daughter. Ishbosheth asked Abner: Why did you have sex with my father's concubine?

⁸ Ishbosheth's question made Abner very angry. Am I a dog that belongs to Judea? He asked. Until now I have been faithful to your father Saul's family, to his relatives and friends. I did not hand you over to David. But now you charge me with a crime because of this woman. ⁹ May God deal with me harshly if I do not help David get all that Jehovah promised him when he said: ¹⁰ I Jehovah will transfer the kingship from Saul's family and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.' ¹¹ Ishbosheth could not respond to a single word for he was afraid of Abner.