2 Samuel 3:17

17 And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, `Heretofore ye have been seeking David for king over you,

2 Samuel 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 3:17

And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel
Had a conference with the chiefs of the several tribes about the affairs of the kingdom:

saying, ye sought for David in time past [to be] king over you;
that is, at the death of Saul, and not before; for it was pretty generally known throughout the kingdom that David was anointed by Samuel and Saul himself had declared that he knew the kingdom would come to him; so that upon his death it was the general expectation and desire of the people that the government would devolve upon him, as it doubtless would, if Abner had not set up one of Saul's house, and persuaded the Israelites to own him their king.

2 Samuel 3:17 In-Context

15 And Ish-Bosheth sendeth, and taketh her from a man, from Phaltiel son of Laish,

16 and her husband goeth with her, going on and weeping behind her, unto Bahurim, and Abner saith unto him, `Go, turn back;' and he turneth back.

17 And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, `Heretofore ye have been seeking David for king over you,

18 and now, do [it], for Jehovah hath spoken of David saying, By the hand of David my servant -- to save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.'

19 And Abner speaketh also in the ears of Benjamin, and Abner goeth also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that [is] good in the eyes of Israel, and in the eyes of all the house of Benjamin,