When Abner was slain David was at a loss for a friend to perfect the reduction of those tribes that were yet in Ish-bosheth’s interest. Which way to adopt for the accomplishment of it he could not tell; but here Providence brings it about by the removal of Ish-bosheth. I.

Here is, I. The weakness of Saul’s house. Still it grew weaker and weaker. 1. As for Ishbosheth, who was in possession of the throne, his hands were feeble, 2 Sam. 4:1. All the strength they ever had was from Abner’s support, and now that he was dead he had no spirit left in him.

We have here justice done upon the murderers of Ish-bosheth. I. Sentence passed upon them. There needed no evidence, their own tongues witnessed against them; they were so far from denying the fact that they gloried in it.