And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine,
&c.] Carrying his head in triumph, and no doubt accompanied with the acclamations of the people:
Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the
Philistine in his hand;
to give an answer to the king's question concerning him, who could best do it himself; and that Saul might have the opportunity of rewarding him, according to his merit, for so great a piece of service he had done for Israel, of which the head in his hand was a sufficient proof.