Ish-Bosheth remained in conflict over Judah for two years, and though David was patient and tactful, he was ruthless on the battlefield. Abner and Ish-Bosheth became friends, but so did he and Rizpah, one of Saul’s concubines. When Ish-Bosheth heard of this he berated Abner and Abner in wrath swore that he would give the kingdom of Israel to David for this. However, as Abner was leaving, Joab whose brother he had killed, murdered him in secret. Thus setting up the chaotic opening of a united Israel.
