37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
37 So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.
37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner.
37 It was clear to everyone that day, including all Israel, that the king had nothing to do with the death of Abner son of Ner.
37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.
37 So everyone in Judah and all Israel understood that David was not responsible for Abner's murder.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:37
Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22-39
(Read 2 Samuel 3:22-39)
Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool, as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power, when a man may have the name of it, and must be accountable for it, yet is hampered in the use of it? David ought to have done his duty, and then trusted God with the issue. Carnal policy spared Joab. The Son of David may long delay, but never fails to punish impenitent sinners. He who now reigns upon the throne of David, has a kingdom of a nobler kind. Whatever He doeth, is noticed by all his willing people, and is pleasing to them.