[9][10][11][12] Extant ancient manuscripts of a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint (originally was made in the last few centuries BCE) include Codex Vaticanus (B;

At the center are the two key episodes: the existence of two kings in the land (David and Ishbaal), because Joab's forces could not conquer Saul's territory on the battlefield.

[5] David had additionally secured support in northern areas with the marriages to Ahinoam of Jezreel and then to Maacah, daughter of Talmai of Geshur.

[16] David's move was obviously a direct challenge to the house of Saul, which still had special ties with Gilead, Jezreel, and Geshur, together with other northern territories.

[19] Abner, Saul's cousin, made "Ishbaal" (a reading in the Greek versions, for the Hebrew "Ishbosheth", 'man of shame'), Saul's remaining son, to be the king of Israel in Mahanaim (in the area of Gilead), which is east of the Jordan river, because the Philistines controlled the territory west of the Jordan, so the list of Ishbaal's domain was considered idealistic.

Nonetheless, Joab was determined to avenge Asahel's death (3:17), when the opportunity came and David felt unable to restrain the violence of the sons of Zeruiah (3:39).