17 and the battle is very hard on that day, and Abner is smitten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:17

Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:8-17.

(Read 2 Samuel 2:8-17.)

The nation in general refused David. By this the Lord trained up his servant for future honour and usefulness; and the tendency of true godliness was shown in his behaviour while passing through various difficulties. David was herein a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the Father to be a Prince and a Saviour to them. Abner meant, Let the young men fight before us, when he said, Let them play before us: fools thus make a mock at sin. But he is unworthy the name of a man, that can thus trifle with human blood.