¹² Then Abner sent messengers to ask David [^Lon his own behalf; or at his place], “·Who is going to rule the land [^LWhose land is it]? Make an ·agreement [treaty; covenant] with me, and ·I will help you unite [^Lmy hand will be with you to bring over to you] all Israel.”

¹³ David answered, “Good! I will make an ·agreement [treaty; covenant] with you, but I ·ask [demand/require of] you one thing. I will not ·meet with you [^Lallow you to see my face/in my presence] unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal to me [^Lwhen you come; ^Cto strengthen his claim to the throne; 1 Sam. 18:26–29].” ¹⁴ Then David sent messengers to Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth, saying, “Give me my wife Michal. She was ·promised [engaged; betrothed] to me, ·and I killed a hundred Philistines to get her [^Lfor one hundred Philistine foreskins].”