After several years, Abner recognizes that Ishbaal has no future. Only David can ensure the kingdom’s stability. Support for David grows stronger among all the tribes, including Saul’s tribe, the tribe of Benjamin. Abner sees this and decides to switch loyalties, sleeping with one of the late king’s concubines, which prompts Ishbaal to protest. Ishbaal’s complaint gives Abner the reason to break his loyalty and offer the kingdom to David. David recognizes the importance of this offer but tests him by asking for Michal, his wife, to reconnect with Saul and unify the kingdom. When everything seems to be progressing well, Joab, David’s nephew, appears and kills Abner. In doing so, he avenges his brother Asahel’s death and removes a future threat to David’s rule. His method of revenge is more ruthless than noble. The events (28-39) seriously damage David’s reputation, making it appear as though he orchestrated everything. David reacts strongly, publicly declaring his innocence and blaming Joab for what happened. He orders a funeral for Abner, to whom he dedicates an elegy.