²³ When Joab and his men came, news was given them that Abner, the son of Ner, had come to the king, who had let him go away again in peace.

^{24 Ref} Then Joab came to the king, and said, What have you done? when Abner came to you why did you send him away and let him go?

^{25 Ref} Is it not clear to you that Abner, the son of Ner, came with deceit to get knowledge of your going out and your coming in and of all you are doing?