2 Samuel 3:37

37 That day all the people of Judah and Israel understood that David did not order the killing of Abner 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 They came to encourage David to eat while it was still day. But he made a promise, saying, "May God punish me terribly if I eat bread or anything else before the sun sets!"

36 All the people saw what happened, and they agreed with what the king was doing, just as they agreed with everything he did.

37 That day all the people of Judah and Israel understood that David did not order the killing of Abner son of Ner.

38 David said to his officers, "You know that a great man died today in Israel.

39 Even though I am the appointed king, I feel empty. These sons of Zeruiah are too much for me. May the Lord give them the punishment they should have."