2 Samuel 3:12 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Abner sent messengers to David Having thus incensed his master, he judged it not safe to delay the execution of what he had threatened. Yet he thought it neither safe nor prudent to go himself to David till he had tried his inclinations by messengers, whom he sent privately to treat with him about a reconciliation. Thus God overrules the passions of wicked men, and turns and directs their devices and counsels, to accomplish his own wise and holy purposes! And who then dare contend with that God, who makes even his enemies to do his work, and destroy themselves? Saying, Whose is this land? To whom does it belong but to thee? is it not thine by divine right? A question this which required no answer. But Abner plainly meant to insinuate by it that he had power to give the land of Israel to him whose side he should take.