Background: The truce between Abner and Joab is a significant event in the narrative of the power struggle following the death of King Saul. This period is marked by the division of the kingdom of Israel, with David ruling over Judah from Hebron and Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, ruling over the rest of Israel with the support of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. The conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David is characterized by a series of skirmishes and battles as both sides vie for control over the united kingdom.

Biblical Account: The account of the truce is found in 2 Samuel 2:12-32. The narrative begins with Abner, the son of Ner, leading the forces of Ish-bosheth from Mahanaim to Gibeon. Joab, the son of Zeruiah and the commander of David's forces, meets Abner at the pool of Gibeon. The two sides engage in a fierce battle, which results in a significant loss of life.

The Battle at Gibeon: The confrontation at Gibeon is initiated by a contest proposed by Abner, where young men from each side engage in combat. This escalates into a full-scale battle, with Joab's forces gaining the upper hand. During the battle, Asahel, Joab's brother, pursues Abner with relentless determination. Despite Abner's warnings, Asahel refuses to turn aside, leading to his death at the hands of Abner.

The Truce: As the battle continues, Abner calls out to Joab, questioning the futility of the ongoing conflict and the inevitable bitterness it will bring. Abner's plea is recorded in 2 Samuel 2:26 : "Then Abner called out to Joab, 'Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their brothers?'" Recognizing the senselessness of further bloodshed, Joab responds to Abner's call for a cessation of hostilities. Joab blows the trumpet, signaling his troops to halt their pursuit of Abner's forces.

Aftermath: The truce marks a temporary pause in the hostilities between the two factions. Joab and his men return to Hebron, while Abner and his forces retreat to Mahanaim. The battle at Gibeon results in significant casualties, with 360 of Abner's men and 19 of Joab's men, including Asahel, losing their lives. The truce, however, does not resolve the underlying conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, which continues until Abner's eventual defection to David's side and his subsequent assassination by Joab.

Significance: The truce between Abner and Joab highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and reconciliation in the early monarchy of Israel. It underscores the personal and political tensions that characterized the period and foreshadows the eventual unification of the kingdom under David. The event also illustrates the themes of honor, vengeance, and the cost of civil strife, which are prevalent throughout the narrative of David's rise to power.