2 Samuel 2:8-17

8Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth  and brought him to Mahanaim.

9Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel.

10Saul’s son Ishbosheth was 40 years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years, but the tribe of Judah followed David.

11In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.

12Ner’s son Abner and the officers of Saul’s son Ishbosheth went from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

13Zeruiah’s son Joab and David’s officers also left ⌞Hebron⌟. Both groups met at the pool of Gibeon. They sat down there, one group on one side of the pool and the other group on the other side of the pool.

14Abner said to Joab, “Let’s have the young men hold a contest.” Joab agreed.

15The men got up and were counted as they passed by. Twelve were from the tribe of Benjamin (representing Saul’s son Ishbosheth), and twelve were from David’s officers.

16Each one grabbed his opponent by the head, stuck his sword into his opponent’s side, and they fell down together. Therefore, that place in Gibeon is called the Field of Enemies.

17Fierce fighting broke out that day, and David’s men defeated Abner and the men of Israel.