So Ishbosheth sent and took Michal away from her husband Phaltiel, who followed behind her crying the whole way to Bahurium.  Then Abner told him to go back home, so he left. 

Abner contacted the elders of Israel, and apparently at some time during the reign of Ishbosheth, they wanted to turn their allegiance to David, but Abner had dissuaded them, but now he told them to go ahead and forsake Ishbosheth and turn their hearts to David since they knew that the Lord had anointed David to be king. Abner also specifically addressed the tribe of Benjamin, who, as we discussed before, were quite possibly Ishbosheth's guards and VIPs. He then presented himself to David, accompanied by twenty of his men, with the report that all of Israel, including the whole tribe of Benjamin were ready to be David's subjects.

ABNER BIBLE LESSON WITH ABNER BIBLE EXPLANATION

As you might imagine, this pleased David well and he threw a big party for them. Then Abner told David that he'd go and rally all of Israel together to make him their king. With that, David sent Abner away in peace. 

Just after Abner had left, David’s men and Joab returned from a raid, and brought a great deal of things with them from the places they invaded. When Joab was told that Abner was just there and left, he was astonished and he approached the king and asked, “What have you done? Why did you let Abner go when you knew he came to deceive you, spy on you, and discover all your upcoming plans?”

Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner without David’s knowledge. They caught up with him and when they brought Abner back to Hebron, Joab took him aside and to avoid suspicion, he spoke cordially to Abner, then struck him with his sword under his fifth rib, killing him, exactly as Abner had killed his brother Asahel. 

Now, remember, we talked a little about Joab's brother Abishai's character a couple of times so far. Abishai was a predictable sort, but didn't really take matters into his own hands the way his brother Joab did. One would probably conclude that Joab was acting on two very strong emotions ... Jealousy, that Abner would attain a higher ranking in David's kingdom, and anger, that Abner had killed his little brother Asahel. Joab, being quite a bit of a hothead, must have been absolutely simmering with emotion at the news of Abner's acceptance ... Why, they even threw him a party! Joab just couldn't handle it, that Abner may possibly receive a greater state of dignity than himself, and he snapped. 

ABNER BIBLE INFORMATION WITH ABNER BIBLE MEANING

Many may believe that Joab was justified in killing Abner, because Abner instigated the whole melee that sparked Asahel's anger and caused him to chase after Abner. If it was anyone else besides his brother, would Joab have reacted so? Certainly Joab, being a fairly seasoned army general was accustomed to losing soldiers, it's an unfortunate occupational hazard that cannot be avoided in the business of war. But when emotions are involved, it's hard to be objective ... Anyone who has ever been in such situations can relate, but only the Lord can judge. Can anyone ever go wrong taking the forgiveness route? How did David feel about it?

When David found out that Abner was killed, it grieved his soul and he said: