Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

royal residence. Ishbosheth's coronation took place there. His reign
extended over all Israel except Judah. For two years this son of Saul
enjoyed his honors in his secluded capital. But Abner, intent on
extending his power over all Israel, prepared for aggressive warfare.
And "there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house
of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of
Saul grew weaker and weaker."
At last Abner, becoming angry with the incompetent
Ishbosheth, deserted to David, offering to bring over to him all the
tribes of Israel. David accepted his proposals, but David's favorable
reception of such a famous warrior as Abner stirred up the jealousy
of Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army. There was a blood
feud between the two men, Abner having killed Asahel, Joab's
brother, during the war between Israel and Judah. Now Joab
dishonorably ambushed and murdered Abner.
When David heard of this treacherous assault, he exclaimed,
"My kingdom and I are guiltless before the Lord forever of the
blood of Abner the son of Ner. Let it rest on the head of Joab." In
view of the unsettled state of the kingdom and the power of the
murderers, David could not punish the crime properly, but he
publicly showed his shock and disapproval. The king followed
Abner's coffin as chief mourner, and at the grave he pronounced an
elegy that was a cutting rebuke of the murderers.
Should Abner die as a fool dies? ...
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