This statement shows how generally it was known that the Lord had chosen David to succeed Saul. There is no record of an oath on the part of God to deliver the kingdom to David, but Abner evidently understood the promise as solemnly sworn. Perhaps there is an allusion to the words “will not lie nor repent” as regards the promise God made through Samuel to rend the kingdom from Saul and to give it to David (1 Sam. 15:28, 29).