A Peace Treaty conceived in treachery, concluded in tragedy

In this message concentration is focused upon the events which brought the conflict with Saul’s house to an end and hastened David’s advance over the entire kingdom.
It came about through a remarkable and tragic turn of events. Abner, who had headed up the rebellion against David had a sudden change of heart which led him to suggest and seek a peace treaty with David. The outcome however, as far as Abner was concerned was his own murder by the hand of Joab, David’s nephew and the general of his army.
There are three aspects of this narrative which call for our attention.

First: The insincerity of Abner's motive
Second: The inconsistency of Abner's message
Third: The iniquity of Abner's murder