2 Samuel 3:12 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Whose is the land? — These words in themselves may be understood in either of two senses: (1) “Is not the land thine by promise?” or (2) “Who has the power to bring the land into subjection to whom he will except myself?” Since the question is put forward as the basis for making a league with Abner, the latter is evidently the sense intended, and it is quite in accordance with the pride and haughtiness of Abner’s character. He proposes a league, that he may have a definite assurance of consideration for himself, and he makes this the price of exerting his influence on David’s behalf. The repetition of the word “saying” has occasioned some difficulty to the commentators, but this disappears when it is remembered that the two clauses are separate parts of Abner’s message. His messengers were charged first to represent the importance of Abner’s influence, and then afterwards to say that he would exert it for David for a satisfactory consideration.