(a)
After Saul's death, there was war between his house and the house of David. Abner made himself stronger as he retained the leadership of Saul's army. lshboshet later accused Abner of having gone in to his father's concubine (Rizpah). This irked Abner and he asked whether he had become a dog's head as to be insulted on a matter concerning a woman. He openly defied lshboshet by telling him that he would renounce his allegiance to Saul's house and transfer same to David. Ishboshet was too weak to react to Abner's threat for he feared Abner. Abner however, sent messengers to David.
He asked him to enter into a covenant with him and he would hand over all Israel to him. David said he would consider his offer (see his face) if only he should restore his first wife, Michal. Saul's daughter, to him, after he had suffered so much to get her betrothed to him. David even sent the same order td Ishboshet to restore Michal to him and he had no choice but to comply. Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and called upon them to demonstrate their desire to make David king of all Israel (as God had destined it). With a delegation (of twenty men), he went to David in Hebron and David received thew warmly. Abner assured David that he would gather all Israel to enter into a covenant with him to reign over them. With the agreement sealed, David sent Abner away in peace.
(b)
Lessons learnt from the reconciliation between David and Abner are:
(i) David's forgiveness of Abner who had beer waging a protracted war of attrition against him is worthy of emulation.
(ii) In order to make his claim legitimate as king of Israel, David had to reconcile with Michal, Saul's daughter.
(iii) David exercised wisdom by seizing time by the fore-lock; his reconciliation with Abner worked in his favour more than the many apparent victories his army might have registered against Saul's army.
(iv) David's nature was in contrast with Abner's peremptory and unforgiving stance.
(v) Leaders should strive for peace always.