2 Samuel 3:1-16 ▼

1 NOW there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and impoverished.

2 And sons were born to David in Hebron; and his first-born was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

3 And his second, Caleb, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom, the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

4 And the fourth, Adonijah, the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah, the son of Abital;

5 And the sixth, Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.

6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Ana; and Ashbashul said to Abner, Why are you going in unto my father's concubine?

8 Then Abner was exceedingly displeased at the words of Ashbashul, and Abner said, Am I the leader of vicious men in Judah? This day I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David, and yet you charge me today with this iniquity concerning a woman?

9 So do God to Abner, and more also, if I do not perform what the LORD has spoken to David, even so will I do,

10 To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah from Dan to Beer-sheba.

11 And Ashbashul could not reply to Abner, because he feared him.

12 And Abner sent messengers to David, saying, Whose is the land? Now make your covenant with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring all Israel to you.

13 And David said, Well, I will make a covenant with you; but one thing I require of you, you shall not see my face, unless you first bring Malchel, Saul's daughter with you.

14 Then David sent messengers to Ashbashul Saul's son, saying, Deliver to me my wife, Malchel, whom I espoused for two hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15 And Ashbashul sent, and took her from her husband, Palti, the son of Laish of Gallim.

16 And her husband went along with her weeping as far as Beth-hurim. Then Abner said to him, Return. And he returned.