שמואל ב, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״א

Absolute silence often reveals a complete loss of power. Standing before his own army commander, Abner, Ish-bosheth is entirely helpless. There is a general consensus among commentators that his total silence is driven by a deep, paralyzing fear. Overwhelmed by intimidation, Ish-bosheth simply cannot react. He is unable to offer any reply or speak a single word in return, vividly illustrating just how terrified he is of his general.