Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 3:12

"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." — 2 Samuel 3:12 (ASV)

Whose is the land? In other words, is the land not yours by God’s promise?