Abner's change sides from Ish-bosheth to David, during the civil war

Opposing to David’s claim to the throne and his second anointment at Hebron, Ish-Bosheth, the sole surviving son of king Saul, ‘resided in fortified Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, that place being secure against the Philistines’ (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=276&letter=I). It is also argued that it was largely depended on Abner’s political skill and influence that enabled ‘securing for Ish-bosheth the allegiance of all the tribes west of the Jordan with the exception of that of Judah’ (ibid). This unstable state of nation lasted for about two years before the civil war broke out between the two contestants for the throne.

Abner leaves David

In the early phase of the civil war, ‘Abner killed… a brother of… one of David’s military officers…in self- defense’ (http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p188.htm) but eventually he was defeated by the David’s force at Gabaon. Subsequently, ‘David gradually but surely extended his authority’ (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=276&letter=I) so that he could even father six sons in Hebron. Meanwhile, Ish-bosheth accused Abner of his relationship with one of Saul’s concubines that seemed like ‘plotting to take over the kingship’ (http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p188.htm). This quarrel led Abner to change his side to David and he ‘persuaded all the tribes to follow David’s leadership’ (ibid).

For reading the text in full:http://wrex2009.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/how-did-king-david-succeeded-the-throne/