Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 3:17

"And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:" — 2 Samuel 3:17 (ASV)

You sought for David ... - Compare 1 Samuel 18:5. It was only by Abner’s great influence that the elders of Israel had been restrained until now from declaring for David, and this accounts for Ish-bosheth’s helpless submission to his uncle’s dictation.