THE SON OF JESSE ON THE THRONE. 197

George. Had the Israelites acknowledged David for
their king now ?

Grandfather. Only the men of Judah had done so. He
lived at Hebron, and reigned over the tribe to which he
himself belonged. Abner, the uncle of Saul, took Ishbo-
sheth, the son of Saul, and made him king over all the
other tribes of Israel. Abner was not satisfied with this.
He marched against David, to take the tribe of Judah
from him. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, led David's men out
to meet Abner. The opposing armies were stationed one
on each side of the pool of Gibeon. Abner proposed
that twelve of each side should meet and engage in
combat. He calls it play,—a barbarous play it was. All
the four and twenty fell down dead together ; each thrust
his sword into his fellow’s side. This sight roused the
men of both sides to avenge the death of their champions ;
the battle raged keenly, and the adherents of Ishbosheth
were defeated, and fled. Asahel, the brother of Joab,
was famous for his swiftness in running. We are told
that he was as “light of foot as a wild roe” He
determined to overtake Abner, and trusted to his own
speed for success. When the captain of the Israelites saw
Asahel gaining upon him, he advised him to turn aside
to follow some one else, telling him that he did not wish
to kill him, for he was Joab’s brother, but he would be
obliged to do it if the youth would not leave off follow-
ing him. Asahel would not hear ; he ran on, and ran
upon his death, for Abner smote him with the hinder