v2-5 It seems that David has been busy the last few years. He has acquired several more wives, and they all seem to be producing sons.
v6-7 Abner, the man who illegally made Saul's son king over Israel, is making some trouble for himself in Saul's camp. He has claimed one of Saul's concubines for himself, and Ish-bosheth is not happy about it.
v8-10 Abner turns the tables on the puppet king and transfers his loyalty to David.
v11 This shows who actually had the power in this pseudo-kingdom.
v13 He makes a covenant, but only if David gets Michal back.
v16 He loved her! How sad!
v25 Joab doesn't buy this about-face that Abner made. I can't say that I blame him. Abner seems to be self-seeking to the detriment of all others.
v27-28 Joab takes his revenge for his brother's murder. But his family will pay for his rash action for the rest of time, according to David's curse. (v28)
v35-36 David joins the people in their fasting over Abner. "...and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people."
v4 Mephibosheth is mentioned, but we'll get to him later...
v6 Saul's son, who has in essence been dethroned and is powerless, is attacked by his father's own men.
v10 Apparently these two had not heard of the "reward" given to Saul's killer.
v12 And David gives Ish-bosheth, another of his enemies, a proper and honorable burial.
Next Time: Chapters 5-6
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