20
So Abnercame to David to Hebron, and twentymen with him. And DavidmadeAbner and the men that were with him a feast.
21
And Abnersaid unto David, I will arise and go , and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heartdesireth . And DavidsentAbneraway ; and he went in peace.
22
And, behold, the servants of David and Joabcame from pursuing a troop, and brought in a greatspoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away , and he was gone in peace.
23
When Joab and all the host that was with him were come , they toldJoab,saying , Abner the son of Nercame to the king, and he hath sent him away , and he is gone in peace.
24
Then Joabcame to the king, and said , What hast thou done ? behold, Abnercame unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away , and he is quitegone ?
25
Thou knowestAbner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in* , and to know all that thou doest .
26
And when Joab was come out from David, he sentmessengersafterAbner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but Davidknew it not.
27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron,Joab took him asideinthegate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died , for the blood of Asahel his brother.
28
And afterward when Davidheard it, he said , I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORDforever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
29
Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father'shouse; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue , or that is a leper , or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lackethbread.
30
So Joab and Abishai his brotherslewAbner, because he had slain their brotherAsahel at Gibeon in the battle.