But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
After David was acknowledged as king in Judah, Abner used his influence to proclaim Saul's son Ish-bosheth king in Israel, establishing a rival throne. Abner brought Ish-bosheth over to Mahanaim, across the Jordan, and crowned him there, making Mahanaim his royal residence because it was safer from attack by David or by the Philistines. His rule was first accepted by the tribes east of the Jordan and was later extended throughout Israel except Judah. This divided Israel and set up opposition to David, whom God had chosen to rule, showing that David's throne was not a traitor's throne.
After David was acknowledged as king in Judah, Abner used his influence to proclaim Saul's son Ish-bosheth king in Israel, establishing a rival throne. Abner brought Ish-bosheth over to Mahanaim, across the Jordan, and crowned him there, making Mahanaim his royal residence because it was safer from attack by David or by the Philistines. His rule was first accepted by the tribes east of the Jordan and was later extended throughout Israel except Judah. This divided Israel and set up opposition to David, whom God had chosen to rule, showing that David's throne was not a traitor's throne.