David settles at Hebron where he has six sons from six different wives (v2-5). David is not following God’s pattern for marriage of one man for one woman and in the end, there would be terrible consequences.

Confli9ct continues between David’s forces and those of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son who ruled over most of Israel. David’s men over time are getting stronger and Ish-bosheth’s are getting weaker. The key figure on Ish-bosheth’s side is his commander Abner. There is a falling out over Saul’s concubine (v6-11) and Abner now offers to help David become king of all of Israel (v12-21).

All was looking good until David’s commander Joab, kills Abner (v26-30) out of revenge for killing his brother Asahel in battle previously (2 v18-23). Joab’s desire for revenge was now in real danger of escalating the conflict just when victory seemed assured.

We need to be careful that our own personal feelings, particularly of animosity towards others, do not get in the way of us doing what is right for the work of the kingdom.

David’s response in showing genuine grief at the death of Abner was so important and showed the nation that he had no part in his death (v31-39). His sincerity over came the scheming of Joab.