22 At that moment the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much¹ spoil with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.  ‡

23 When Joab and all the troops that were with him had come, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”

25 Surely you realize that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you, to know ^ayour going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”  ‡

26 And when Joab had gone from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it.