שמואל ב, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ז

During the delicate political transition of the monarchy, Abner actively campaigns to secure the loyalty of the nation's leaders for David. These strategic conversations actually took place earlier [רש״י], conducted in secret while the arrangements to return Michal to David were underway [אברבנאל].

In his appeal to the elders, Abner brings their long-held, unspoken desires into the open. He reminds them that their admiration for David is not new. Even though they never openly rebelled against Saul, deep down they had always believed that the young, victorious David would be a better ruler than Saul, who was plagued by volatile moods [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. By acknowledging this, Abner essentially takes personal responsibility for the political situation up to this point. He admits that while the public secretly wanted David to rule, he alone stood in their way, suppressing their wishes and continuing to strengthen the house of Saul [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Now, recognizing that David is destined to save Israel, Abner formally drops his opposition and clears the path to the throne.

This direct address to the elders serves a crucial foundational purpose. Establishing a legitimate king requires two essential conditions: the consent of the people and the selection by God. By validating the elders' long-standing preference for David, Abner first secures the requirement of public consent. This deliberate move sets the stage for the second requirement, God's divine choice, which he prepares to introduce immediately afterward [מלבי״ם].