2 Samuel 3:17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Abner Having seen David, and given him assurance of his fidelity, as David had him of his friendship; had communication with the elders of Israel He went back to persuade all to do as he had done. And by bringing over the great men to David, he doubted not the multitude would follow. Saying, Ye sought for David in times past For, after the slaughter of Goliath, he was much beloved by all the people. And when he was forced to flee, a great many of Israel came over to him while he dwelt at Ziklag. And it is highly probable that, as soon as Saul and Jonathan were dead, they all generally would have inclined to make David their king, if Abner, by his great authority, had not set up one of the family of Saul.