The reading from the book of Second Samuel.

There was a long war between the House of Saul and the House of David, and David grew stronger and stronger, while the House of Saul became weaker and weaker.

And sons were born to David at Hebron. His firstborn was Abnon, of a Hinawam of Jesrael, and his second, Killiab of Abigail the widow of Navel of Jesrael, and his second, Kiliab, of Abigail, the widow of Nabel of Carmel.

And the third, Absalom, the son of Meika, the daughter of Talmi, king of Gesher.

And the fourth, Adonijah, the son of Haggeth.

And the fifth, Sheffataya, the son of Abaitel.

And the sixth, Ithrium of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to

David and Hebron. While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making

himself strong in the house of Saul. Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Risba, the daughter of Ayah.

And Isboshev said to Abner, Why have you gone into my father's concubine? Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ishbocheth

and said, Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of

Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of

David, and yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.

God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him,

to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel

and over Judah from Dan to Beersheba.

And Ishbocheth could not answer Abner

another word because he feared him. And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf saying,

To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me. And behold, my hands shall be with you to bring

over all Israel to you. And he said, good, I will make a covenant with you,

but one thing I require of you, that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michael,

Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face. Then David sent messengers to Ishbochev, Saul's son,

...