Background:
Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a significant figure in the early history of Israel's monarchy. After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. The tension between the house of Saul and the house of David led to a prolonged conflict.

Biblical Account:
The account of Abner's meeting with David is primarily found in 2 Samuel 3. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a power struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner, having a falling out with Ish-bosheth, decides to shift his allegiance to David, recognizing that God had promised the kingdom to David.

Key Events:
1. Abner's Defection: Abner becomes disillusioned with Ish-bosheth after being accused of impropriety with Saul's concubine, Rizpah. In response, Abner declares his intention to transfer the kingdom to David, acknowledging God's promise to David: "May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba" (2 Samuel 3:9-10).

2. Negotiations with David: Abner sends messengers to David, proposing an alliance. David agrees to meet with Abner on the condition that Michal, Saul's daughter and David's former wife, be returned to him. Abner complies, and Michal is brought back to David (2 Samuel 3:12-16).

3. Meeting in Hebron: Abner visits David in Hebron, where he is warmly received. Abner pledges to rally all Israel to support David as king. "Then Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, 'In the past you sought David as your king. Now take action, because the LORD has spoken concerning David: ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and all their enemies’" (2 Samuel 3:17-18).

4. Feast and Departure: David holds a feast for Abner and his men, signifying the formalization of their alliance. Abner departs in peace to gather support for David among the tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 3:20-21).

Aftermath:
Despite the promising alliance, Abner's efforts are cut short. Joab, David's military commander, harbors a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother Asahel in battle. Unbeknownst to David, Joab lures Abner back to Hebron and kills him in revenge (2 Samuel 3:26-27). David publicly mourns Abner's death, distancing himself from the act and lamenting the loss of a great leader in Israel (2 Samuel 3:31-39).

Significance:
Abner's meeting with David marks a pivotal moment in the unification of Israel under David's rule. It highlights the complex political dynamics and personal vendettas that characterized the early monarchy. Abner's recognition of David's divine mandate underscores the theme of God's sovereignty in establishing David as king over all Israel.