Abner had been sincere in his offers and representations to David, yet his motives were base and selfish. He had persistently opposed the king of God's appointment, in the expectation of securing honor to himself. It was resentment, wounded pride, and passion that led him to forsake the cause he had so long served; and in deserting to David he hoped to receive the highest position of honor in his service. Had he succeeded in his purpose, his talents and ambition, his great influence and want of godliness, would have endangered the throne of David and the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Abners tilbud til David var ærligt ment, men Hans motiver var slette og egenkærlige. Han havde målbevidst modarbejdet den mand, som Gud havde udpeget til konge, for at opnå en ærefuld stilling selv. Det skyldtes vrede, såret stolthed og magtbegær, at han svigtede den sag, han havde tjent så længe, og nu gik han over til David i håb om at få den mest ærefulde stilling i hans tjeneste. Hvis han havde nået sit mål, ville han have bragt Davids trone og hele nationens sikkerhed i fare ved sine evner og sin ærgerrighed, sin store indflydelse og sin mangel på gudsfrygt.