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.
Abner sent messengers to David to speak for him, saying, 'Who does this land belong to?' He also said, 'Make an agreement with me, and I promise I will help you bring all of Israel under your rule.'
Abner is offering to make a deal with David to help him become king over all of Israel, essentially asking who has the rightful claim to rule the land.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the civil war between David's supporters and those loyal to Saul's family after Saul's death. Abner was the military commander who had been supporting Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, while David ruled only over Judah. Abner's offer represents a major political shift that could unite the divided kingdom under David's leadership.
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