It says that he called to the Am and Avner - why did he say only "Avner"?
Radak: He called to the Am and Avner, and no one answered. Then he called to Avner by name.
Radak citing Shochar Tov 58: Regarding the cave, you said I feared to harm Sha'ul, for if so, you would have cut me to pieces, or perhaps the robe was torn on a thorn. What can you answer about [how I have] the spear and flask? Avner became like a mute (he had no answer) - "ha'Umnam Elem Tzedek Tedabrun" (Tehilim 58:2).
Why did Avner assume that he wants to speak to Sha'ul?
Malbim: One who wants to speak to the head general, he calls to the general below him, to tell the head general. One who wants to speak to the king, he calls to the head general.
Why did he say "El ha'Melech"? David called to Avner?
Radak: This is like Al ha'Melech - you should have feared to call when he is sleeping 1 , lest you wake him! Also "va'Yach Es ha'Pelishti El Mitzcho" (17:49) is like Al Mitzcho; "El he'Harim Lo Achal" (Yechezkel 18:6) is like Al he'Harim. Yonason translates like this - who is calling at the head of the king?
The mountain was far away - how would Avner expect the caller to know that Sha'ul is sleeping? We must say that it was at night; he should be concerned lest he is sleeping. (PF)
