And afterward when David heard [it], he said, I and my kingdom [are] guiltless before the Lord for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: (3:28)

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread (3:29)

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle (3:30)

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier (3:31)

And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept (3:32)

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? (3:33)

Thy hands [were] not bound. nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, [so] fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him (3:34)

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down (3:35)

And all the people took notice [of it], and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people (3:36)

For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner (3:37)

And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? (3:38)

And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness (3:39)

Get Next Chapter