The son of Ner, Saul's uncle, and the general of his armies, 1 Samuel 14:50 . For seven years after Saul's death, he supported Ish-bosheth; but being reproved by him for his conduct towards Rizpah, he undertook to unite the whole kingdom under David. He was, however, treacherously slain by Joab, either to revenge the death of Asahel, Joab's brother, who Abner had formerly killed, or more probably from jealousy. David abhorred this perfidious act, and composed an elegy on his death, 2 Samuel 2:8 3:33 . He also charged Solomon to punish the crime of Joab with death, 1 Kings 2:5,6 .