Mahanaim, on the farther side of Jordan, was chosen as the royal residence, since it offered the greatest security against attack, either from David or from the Philistines. Here the coronation of Ishbosheth took place. His reign was first accepted by the tribes east of Jordan, and was finally extended over all Israel except Judah. For two years the son of Saul enjoyed his honors in his secluded capital. But Abner, intent upon extending his power over all Israel, prepared for aggressive warfare. And "there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."

Man valgte byen Mahanajim på den anden side af Jordan til kongens residens, fordi denne by var mindst udsat for angreb fra Davids eller filisternes side. Her blev Isjbosjet kronet. Han blev først anerkendt som konge af stammerne øst for Jordan, og senere udstrakte han sin regering til hele Israel med undtagelse af Judas stamme. Sauls søn beholdt sin ærefulde stilling i sin afsidesliggende hovedstad i to år; men Abner ville have magten over hele Israel og forberedte en angrebskrig. Og "krigen mellem Sauls og Davids huse trak i langdrag; men David blev stærkere og stærkere, Sauls hus svagere og svagere".