7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah , the daughter of Aiah ; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner , "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine ?" 8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said , " Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah ? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father , to his brothers and to his friends , and have not delivered you into the hands of David ; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman . 9 " May God do so to Abner , and more also , if as the Lord has sworn to David , I do not accomplish this for him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah , from Dan even to Beersheba ." 11 And he could no longer answer Abner a word , because he was afraid of him. 12 Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place , saying , "Whose is the land ? Make your covenant with me, and behold , my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you." 13 He said , "Good ! I will make a covenant with you, but I demand one thing of you, namely , you shall not see my face unless e you first bring Michal , Saul's daughter , when you come to see me." 14 So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth , Saul's son , saying , "Give me my wife Michal , to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines ." 15 Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband , from Paltiel the son of Laish . 16 But her husband went with her, weeping as he went , and followed her as far as Bahurim . Then Abner said to him, "Go , return ." So he returned . 17 Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel , saying , "In times e past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 18 "Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David , saying , ' By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies .' " 19 Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin ; and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin . 20 Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron . And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21 Abner said to David , "Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king , that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires ." So David sent Abner away , and he went in peace .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7-21
Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7-21
(Read 2 Samuel 3:7-21)
Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes, who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in love.