8. Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth and brought him to Mahanaim.
9. Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel.
10. Saul’s son Ishbosheth was 40 years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years, but the tribe of Judah followed David.
11. In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.
12. Ner’s son Abner and the officers of Saul’s son Ishbosheth went from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13. Zeruiah’s son Joab and David’s officers also left ⌊Hebron⌋. Both groups met at the pool of Gibeon. They sat down there, one group on one side of the pool and the other group on the other side of the pool.
14. Abner said to Joab, “Let’s have the young men hold a contest.” Joab agreed.
15. The men got up and were counted as they passed by. Twelve were from the tribe of Benjamin (representing Saul’s son Ishbosheth), and twelve were from David’s officers.
16. Each one grabbed his opponent by the head, stuck his sword into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together. Therefore, that place in Gibeon is called the Field of Enemies.
17. Fierce fighting broke out that day, and David’s men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.
18. Zeruiah’s three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle.
19. He chased Abner and refused to leave him alone.
20. When Abner looked back, he asked, “Are you Asahel?”“Yes,” Asahel answered.
21. Abner told him, “Leave me alone! Catch one of the young men, and take his weapon.” But Asahel refused to turn away from him.
22. So Abner spoke again to Asahel. “Stop following me,” he said. “Why should I kill you? How could I look your brother Joab in the face again?”