And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past ye sought for David to be king over you:

Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.

And the word of Abner was with the elders of Israel, saying, `Heretofore ye have been seeking David for king over you,

Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David aforetime to be king over you;