2 Samuel 3:37

37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner 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 Then all the people came to persuade 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 till the sun goes down!"

36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.

37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner.

38 And the king said to his servants, "Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?

39 And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!"