But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
Ver. 8. But Abner the son of Ner.] An ambitionist and an atheist; for he went against God's express command, and the light of his own conscience, 2Sa 3:9 to bring about his own designs, and to keep himself in the saddle; but it turned to his own ruin, and his master's also: so vain a thing is it to strive against God. But "all men have not faith," and are therefore "unreasonable and wicked." 2Th 3:2
Took Ishbosheth.] Passing by Mephibosheth, the rightful heir, because young and lame, he setteth up Ishbosheth, a weak, unworthy man: as thinking to rule all under him, using him as a stale, or stalking horse: whence, 2Sa 3:6 not Ishbosheth but Abner is said to have made himself strong for the house of Saul.
And brought him over to Mahanaim.] Which was beyond Jordan, and not far from Jabeshgilead: which town David had so courted, and Abner therefore might be jealous of, and would thus overawe.