Three of Da'vid's nephews, Ab'i-shai, As'a-hel, and Jo'ab, were brave officers in Da'vid's army; Jo'ab being the commander. They led a small company of men to meet Ab'ner at Gib'e-on, and it was agreed that twelve men from each side should engage in single combat. After all these men had been mortally wounded, there came a battle in which twenty of Da'vid's men and three hundred and sixty of Ab'ner's followers were slain. As'a-hel pursued Ab'ner from the field of battle, but was killed by the crafty general.
Darkness fell before Da'vid's men could complete their victory, and Ab'ner led his scattered forces to the top of a high hill, with Jo'ab and his army in close pursuit. The next morning a truce was proposed by Ab'ner, and both armies returnt to their homes. A state of war continued, however, and there were frequent conflicts between the followers of Da'vid and those who were loyal to the house of Saul. As time went on, the cause of Da'vid steadily gaint in power, while the followers of Ish-bo'sheth grew weaker.
Ab'ner was an ambitious politician who made use of Ish-bo'sheth in setting up a rival kingdom to that of Da'vid, but who had no real love for the son of the lamented Saul. When he saw that he was taking part in a losing cause he began to seek some excuse for deserting Ish-bo'sheth, hoping to ally himself with Da'vid. A violent quarrel with his master finally gave Ab'ner his opportunity, and it was then that he admitted his knowledge of GOD'S decree that Da'vid should be king over Is'ra-el, and that he declared his intention of turning the hearts of the people to their rightful king.
When Da'vid learnt of Ab'ner's wish to join him, he demanded as one of the conditions the immediate return of his wife Mi'chal, who had been taken from him by Saul and given to another man. Although this request no doubt was prompted by a spirit of love for Mi'chal, Da'vid may also have considered the political advantages of his remarriage to the daughter of Saul. Ish-bo'sheth yielded to this demand, and permitted Ab'ner to return Mi'chal to Da'vid, even though the man to whom she had been unlawfully married made a bitter protest.
Ab'ner then set out to win the princes of the tribes of Is'ra-el to the support of Da'vid, reminding them of their former wish to have him as their king, and of GOD'S decree in this matter. He also pointed out their need of Da'vid's help in resisting the continual raids of the Phi-lis'tines. Their consent was readily obtained, for it was only through Ab'ner's persistent efforts that Ish-bo'sheth's authority over them had been secured and maintained. The results of this appeal to the leaders of the rebellious tribes were carried to Da'vid in his court at He'bron, and plans were made for an immediate public treaty uniting the two factions. After a covenant feast at which Ab'ner and twenty of his friends were guests of honor, Da'vid sent Ab'ner home to complete the arrangements for the treaty.
While all this was taking place, Jo'ab was away on official duty; when he returnt and heard of Ab'ner's proposal, he protested vigorously against a league of peace with the former leader of a rebellion against Da'vid. He gave as reason for his views a complete lack of faith in Ab'ner, but seems to have been prompted chiefly by the fear that this older, more renowned general might be given his place at the head of Da'vid's armies.
