And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you:
Ver. 17. And Abner had communication,] i.e., He had had communication with them before that he went toward David with Michal.
Ye sought for David.] And David they had crowned ere this, but that Abner overruled them for Ishbosheth. All his care was to have a stake in store, howsoever the dice chanced to turn. Politicians are all for their own ends.