6 It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul .
7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah , the daughter of Aiah ; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner , "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine ?" 8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said , " Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah ? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father , to his brothers and to his friends , and have not delivered you into the hands of David ; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman . 9 " May God do so to Abner , and more also , if as the Lord has sworn to David , I do not accomplish this for him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah , from Dan even to Beersheba ." 11 And he could no longer answer Abner a word , because he was afraid of him. 12 Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place , saying , "Whose is the land ? Make your covenant with me, and behold , my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:6-12
Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:1-6
(Read 2 Samuel 3:1-6)
The length of this war tried the faith and patience of David, and made his settlement at last the more welcome. The contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers, may fitly be compared to this warfare. There is a long war between them, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; but as the work of holiness is carried on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and stronger.
Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:7-21
(Read 2 Samuel 3:7-21)
Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes, who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in love.