¹¹ Ish-bosheth^[a] couldn’t say another word in response to Abner, because he was terrified of him. ¹² So Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron to ask him, “Who owns this land? Cut a deal^[b] with me, and look!—I’ll lend my hand in bringing all of Israel over to you!”

¹³ David replied, “Sounds good to me! I’ll cut a deal^[c] with you under one condition: you’re not to show yourself in my presence unless you bring Saul’s daughter with you when you come to see me.”