Misinterpretations often treat this as a fresh divine oracle spoken directly by God rather than Abner's paraphrase of prior promises like those in 1 Samuel 16 or 2 Samuel 7, overlooking the context of Abner's self-serving political maneuvering to defect from Ishbosheth to David; others erroneously apply it as a universal promise of deliverance through any 'servant' leader, ignoring its specificity to David's unique anointing and Israel's historical enemies.
II Samuel 3:18
King James Version (1769)
18 Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
Abner urges Ishbosheth to recognize God's sovereign plan by affirming the divine promise that through David, His servant, the Lord will deliver Israel from the Philistines and all enemies, highlighting David's God-ordained role as the leader who fulfills Yahweh's covenant commitment to protect and save His people, emphasizing obedience to God's prophetic word amid political transitions.