31-32 David ordered Joab and all the men under him, “Rip your cloaks into rags! Wear mourning clothes! Lead Abner’s funeral procession with loud lament!” King David followed the coffin. They buried Abner in Hebron. The king’s voice was loud in lament as he wept at the side of Abner’s grave. All the people wept, too.

33-34 Then the king sang this tribute to Abner:

Can this be? Abner dead like a nameless bum?
You were a free man, free to go and do as you wished—
Yet you fell as a victim in a street brawl.

And all the people wept—a crescendo of crying!

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Gospel of John
The Message Gospel of John
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels - eBook
The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels - eBook
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $2.00 (20%)
The Message for Graduates - eBook
The Message for Graduates - eBook
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $8.99
Save: $4.00 (31%)
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $5.32
Save: $4.67 (47%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, navy
The Message Large-Print Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, navy
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $16.07
Save: $13.92 (46%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars