25You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”
Joab was apparently concerned that Abner was busy with a clever ploy to see the strength of David’s kingdom and then come back with his army to remove David from the throne.1 In reality he was upset that Abner had gone because he was eager to avenge himself on Abner.2
25 You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”