II Samuel 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
Slowly David had been growing in strength. Saul got weaker and was losing his control of the kingdom.
Abner had been the general for King Saul. He had given Saul the victories over David. Ishbosheth insulted Abner, saying that he had not shown respect to his father, Saul.
In his anger, Abner decided to help David instead of Saul. David agreed to have Abner come over to his side but wanted his wife Michal that he had purchased with 100 foreskins of the Philistines.
Abner coming over to David, angered Joab because Joab knew Abner to be untrustworthy. Joab killed Abner. David wanted it clear that he was innocent. David had nothing to do with Abner’s death.
Joab hated Abner because he had killed his brother in battle.
David was sorry that Joab had died as he did. David was tired of dealing with all the trouble. He prayed that the Lord deal with Joab for his cruelty.
It is incredible how much the hatred and bitterness breed problems that hurt everyone around it. Are you holding on to resentment and letting it slowly consume you. Vengeance is His, according to God Himself.