Now then do [it]: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
Ver. 18. For the Lord hath spoken of David, saying,] Sententias loquitur carnifex. Hypocrites make use of God for their own purposes: and care only to make divine authority a colour for their own designs.
By the hand of my servant David.] We read not that God had so said in express terms: but either Abner had heard of such a promise made at the anointing of David by Samuel, or else he feigned it of his own head for his own ends.