33. And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dieth?
34. Thy hands were not bound, Nor thy feet put into fetters; As a man falleth before wicked men, Fellest thou! And all the people wept again over him.
35. And all the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread or aught else till the sun be down!
36. And all the people remarked it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people.
37. And all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.
38. And the king said to his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
39. And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me: Jehovah reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness!