The battle between Joab and Abner did not end the controversy between the two houses of Saul and David, but it is in this chapter working towards a period. Here is, I. The gradual advance of David’s interest, 2 Samuel 3:1. II. The building up of his family, 2 Samuel 3:2-3:5. III. Abner’s quarrel with Ish-bosheth, and his treaty with David, 2 Samuel 3:6-3:12. IV. The preliminaries settled, 2 Samuel 3:13-3:16. V. Abner’s undertaking and attempt to bring Israel over to David, 2 Samuel 3:17-3:21. VI. The treacherous murder of Abner by Joab, when he was carrying on this matter, 2 Samuel 3:22-3:27. VII. David’s great concern and trouble for the death of Abner, 2 Samuel 3:28-3:39. MHBCC 271.1