3 17 Abner now approached the elders of Israel and said, 'For some time past you have wanted David for your king; 3 18 now is the time to act, for this is the word of the LORD about David: "By the hand of my servant David I will deliver my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies." ' 3 19 Abner spoke also to the Benjamites and then went on to report to David at Hebron all that the Israelites and the Benjamites had agreed.
3 20 When Abner was admitted to David's presence, there were twenty men with him and David gave a feast for them all. 3 21 Then Abner said to David, 'I shall now go and bring the whole of Israel over to your majesty, and they shall make a covenant with you. Then you will be king over a realm after your own heart.' David dismissed Abner, granting him safe conduct.