NET
17 Abner advised the elders of Israel, “Previously you were wanting David to be your king.
Darby
17 Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David aforetime to be king over you;
KJV
17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you: