Background:
Joab and Abner were prominent military leaders during the early monarchy of Israel. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the commander of King David's army, while Abner, the son of Ner, served as the commander of the army of Saul and later Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. The period following King Saul's death was marked by a power struggle between the house of David and the house of Saul, leading to a prolonged conflict between the two factions.

The Conflict:
After Saul's death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah, while Ish-bosheth was made king over the rest of Israel under Abner's influence. This division led to a civil war between the house of David and the house of Saul. The conflict is detailed in 2 Samuel 2-3, where the armies of both sides engaged in several battles.

The Meeting at the Pool of Gibeon:
A significant event in this conflict was the meeting at the pool of Gibeon, where Joab and Abner, along with their respective forces, confronted each other. The encounter began with a contest between young warriors from each side, which quickly escalated into a fierce battle. The battle resulted in heavy casualties, with Joab's forces ultimately gaining the upper hand.

The Truce:
Following the battle, Abner called out to Joab, urging him to cease the pursuit and end the bloodshed. Abner's words are recorded in 2 Samuel 2:26 : "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?" Joab responded to Abner's plea, acknowledging the futility of continued fighting among brethren. He blew the trumpet, signaling his men to halt the pursuit, thus establishing a temporary truce between the two factions.

Aftermath:
The truce, however, was short-lived. The underlying tensions between the house of David and the house of Saul persisted. Abner, recognizing the weakening position of Ish-bosheth, eventually sought to align himself with David. He initiated negotiations to bring all Israel under David's rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 3. However, Joab, harboring a personal vendetta against Abner for the death of his brother Asahel during the battle at Gibeon, deceitfully murdered Abner, complicating the political landscape further.

Significance:
The truce between Joab and Abner highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and reconciliation during the early years of David's reign. It underscores the challenges faced in uniting the tribes of Israel under a single monarchy and the personal vendettas that often influenced political decisions. The events surrounding Joab and Abner's interactions serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of civil strife and the importance of seeking peace among brethren.