2 Samuel 3:17

17 Abner then sent word to Israel's elders. "You've wanted David to be your king for some time now," he said.

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 Ishbosheth then sent for Michal and took her from her husband Paltiel, Laish's son.

16 Her husband went with her all the way to Bahurim, crying as he followed her. "Go home!" Abner told him. So he went home.

17 Abner then sent word to Israel's elders. "You've wanted David to be your king for some time now," he said.

18 "It's time to act because the LORD has said about David: I will rescue my people Israel from the power of the Philistines and all their enemies through my servant David."

19 Abner also spoke directly to the Benjaminites. He then went to inform David in person at Hebron regarding everything that all Israel and the house of Benjamin were willing to do.