9
May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David as the Lord has sworn to him--
10
to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."
11
And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
12
Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, "Whose is the land?" saying also, "Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel to you."
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And David said, "Good, I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you: you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face."
14
So David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines."
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And Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.
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Then her husband went along with her to Bahurim, weeping behind her. So Abner said to him, "Go, return!" And he returned.
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Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, "In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you.
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Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, 'By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the hand of all their enemies.' "
19
And Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin. Then Abner also went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and the whole house of Benjamin.