2 Samuel 3:37

37 So all the people and all Yisra'el understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Aviner the son of Ner.

2 Samuel 3:37 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 3:37

For all the people and all Israel understood that day
Not the people of Judah only, but of Israel also, to whom the knowledge of these things came; they knew and were satisfied by his conduct and behaviour, by his words and actions:

that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner;
it was not by the counsel or advice of the king, as the Targum; it was without his knowledge and consent, was contrary to his mind and will; that he had no manner of concern in it, and that if it had been in his power he would have prevented it.

2 Samuel 3:37 In-Context

35 All the people came to cause David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun be down.

36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the king did pleased all the people.

37 So all the people and all Yisra'el understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Aviner the son of Ner.

38 The king said to his servants, "Don't you know that there a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Yisra'el?

39 I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Tzeru'yah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evil-doer according to his wickedness."