3:6 As the war continued between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was becoming more influential 1 in the house of Saul.
3:12 Then Abner sent messengers 2 to David saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make an agreement 3 with me, and I will do whatever I can 4 to cause all Israel to turn to you.”
1 tn Heb “was strengthening himself.” The statement may have a negative sense here, perhaps suggesting that Abner was overstepping the bounds of political propriety in a self-serving way.
2 tn The Hebrew text adds here, “on his behalf.”
3 tn Heb “cut a covenant.” So also in vv. 13, 21.
4 tn Heb “and behold, my hand is with you.”