We must here be content with general hints; being only informed that "there was long war between the house of Saul and the house, of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."*** What very much conduced to this, was an ill-timed quarrel between king Ish-bosheth and general Abner, concerning one of Saul's concubines, with whom Abner had been too familiar:**** and his resentment of the notice taken of this amour, occasioned a treaty to be negociated between him and David, whom Abner engaged to establish over all Israel.(5) David accepted his offer, but demanded, as a preliminary, the restoration of his first wife Michal;(6) who, during the disputes between him and Saul; had been espoused to another.(7) * 2 Sam. ii. 4, 8. ** Ver. 17, 23. *** 2 Sam. iii. 1. **** 2 Sam. iii. 7. (5) Ver. 12. (6) Ver. 13. (7) 1 Sam. xxv. 44. This demand he likewise made openly, by an express message to Ishbosheth, who kindly complied with it: the poor man who had since married her, following her weeping all the way.** It is impossible to avoid noting David's amorous disposition here; which could not be content with six wives, who bare him children*** (no mention of those who did not), but was yet so warm, that it took the lead even in his most important concerns.--We will not pretend to assign the cause of that sad disorder, the symptoms of which are described in the 38th Psalm. After Abner had traitorously endeavoured to advance the interest of David****; he had an interview with him;(5) which, quickly after he returned, coming to the ears of Joab; he, who does not appear to have been acquainted with the secret spring which actuated Abner's zeal for the cause of David; represented to him the imprudence of admitting a man among them, who to all appearance came only as a spy. Unknown to David, he sent for him back again, and privately stabbed him, in revenge for the loss of his brother Asahel.(6) This was a most base piece of treachery, worthy the servant of such a master: to assassinate a man in cool blood, in revenge for an action which was committed in the heat of battle, in self-defence, and even after fair warning given. Upon the murder of Abner, David again acts the mourner;(7) which has a greater probability of being sincere now, than when he grieved for the unhappy Saul; because the false Abner was preparing to do him essential service, by betraying his master's cause. ** 2 Sam. iii. 15, 16. *** Ver. 2, &c. **** Ver. 17. (5) Ver. 20. (6) Ver. 27. (7) Ver. 31, &c. But the event proved full as advantageous to David; as will presently appear.