2 Samuel 3:12
And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
The verse marks the treacherous overthrow of the throne that malice and ambition had set up for Ishbosheth. Abner had persistently opposed David as God's appointed king in order to secure honor for himself. Becoming incensed against the weak and incompetent Ishbosheth, he forsook the cause he had so long served from resentment, wounded pride, and passion.
He offered to make a league with David and to bring all Israel, that is all the tribes, over to him. The offer was sincere as an offer, yet base and selfish in motive, since in deserting to David he hoped to receive the highest position of honor in his service. David accepted his proposals and dismissed him with honor to carry out his purpose.
Because of Abner's talents and ambition, his great influence, and his lack of godliness, his success would have endangered David's throne and the peace and prosperity of the nation. The favorable reception given to Abner as a valiant and famed warrior stirred the jealousy of Joab, the commander-in-chief of David's army.