1. The blood of Abner (22-30)

Joab was very different from David. He didn't think about God or God's people. He had a personal grudge to settle. Abner had killed Joab's brother; furthermore, Abner was his biggest rival. Joab was angry when he heard that David had sent Abner away in peace, and he sent messengers to bring him back. Then, he murdered General Abner. Because of his personal grudge and his ambition, he almost destroyed the fragile unity of the kingdom.

2. David's lament (31-39)

David was infuriated with Joab. But he did not let anger rule him. His grief at Abner's passing was genuine; he walked behind the bier and wept, and he fasted all day. He wrote a song of lament and sung it at Abner's funeral, and all the people wept with him. David made it clear that he had no part in Abner's murder, and the people were pleased with the king. The real concern on David's heart was the fragile union of Israel. But he still needed Joab.