[Verse 1] Abner brings Ishbosheth's servants from Mahanaim to Gibeon. Twelve men from each side seize one another and fall together. Swift Asahel pursues Abner without turning aside. Abner strikes Asahel with the hinder end of the spear. [Pre-Chorus] The crown looked bright, the burden lay beneath, A throne could shelter life or summon grief. [Chorus] The House of David Grew Stronger, every crown is weighed, Thrones are raised and royal vows are made. A kingdom stands only where the word remains, For pride can break what wisdom once sustains. [Verse 2] The long war strengthens David's house and weakens Saul's house. Ishbosheth accuses Abner concerning Saul's concubine Rizpah. Abner angrily vows to transfer the kingdom to David. Abner persuades Israel's elders and Benjamin to receive David. [Bridge] Joab returns, recalls Abner privately, and kills him for Asahel. David publicly mourns Abner and clears his kingdom of the bloodguilt. Rechab and Baanah murder Ishbosheth in his bed and carry his head to David. David executes the assassins and buries Ishbosheth's head in Abner's grave. [Final Chorus] The House of David Grew Stronger, every crown is weighed, Thrones are raised and royal vows are made. A kingdom stands only where the word remains, For pride can break what wisdom must sustain. [Outro] The crown passed on, the record kept the cost. No throne could hold what disobedience lost.