10th Century BC
The period of the united monarchy in Israel, following the death of King Saul and during the reign of King David.
Israel was transitioning from the rule of Saul to David. The kingdom was divided between the house of Saul, led by Ish-bosheth, and the house of David.
The events occur in the regions of Hebron, where David reigned, and Mahanaim, where Ish-bosheth ruled.
Blood feuds and revenge killings were common, as seen in Joab's murder of Abner. Political alliances were often solidified through marriage, as David's marriage to Michal, Saul's daughter, is reinstated.
David
King of Judah, later to become king over all Israel.
Abner
Commander of Saul's army, who initially supported Ish-bosheth but later defected to David.
Ish-bosheth
Son of Saul, king over Israel, opposed to David.
Joab
Commander of David's army, who killed Abner in revenge for his brother Asahel's death.