2 Samuel 2 - 4

David and his men move to the city of Hebron, and all of the tribe of Judah make him king of Judah, although the rest of Israel chose Saul’s son to be their king. For several years there is war between Judah and Israel, until the death of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul who was (a weak) king in Israel.

Two of David’s nephews, Joab and Abishai (sons of David’s sister), murdered Abner, who was the power behind Ishbosheth’s throne in Israel, after he had made peace with David. Joab and Abishai will remain as key figures in David’s army, but he will never fully trust Joab again, and declares a curse upon both of them for their unrighteous act against Abner.