The elders of Israel initially sought a king so as to have someone lead them in battle against their enemies (1 Samuel 8:20).1 Following the death of Saul, it appears as if there had been a desire among them for David to be king rather than Ish-bosheth.
17 Abner eut un entretien avec les anciens d'Israël, et leur dit: Vous désiriez autrefois avoir David pour roi;