34. His hands were not tied.His feet were not in chains.He fell as a person falls before evil men.”Then all the people cried again for Abner.
35. They came to encourage David to eat while it was still day. But he made a promise. He said, “May God punish me terribly if I eat bread or any other food before the sun sets!”
36. All the people saw what happened. They agreed with what the king was doing.
37. That day all the people of Judah and all the Israelites understood. They knew it was not David who had killed Abner son of Ner.
38. David said to his officers, “You know that a very important leader died today in Israel.
39. Even though I am the appointed king, I am weak today. These sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the Lord give them the punishment they should have.”