10. Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
11. The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12. Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul.
13. And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool.
14. Then Abner said to Joab, "Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us." And Joab said, "Let them arise."
15. So they arose and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
16. Each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent's side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
17. That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
18. Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field.
19. Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.
20. Then Abner looked behind him and said, "Is that you, Asahel?" And he answered, "It is I."
21. So Abner said to him, "Turn to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his spoil." But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him.