and he chased Abner
This phrase refers to Asahel, the brother of Joab and Abishai, who was one of David's mighty men. Asahel's pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, highlights the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David following Saul's death. Abner had declared Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. This pursuit is part of the larger narrative of the struggle for power and the eventual unification of Israel under David. Asahel's determination to chase Abner reflects his loyalty to David and his desire to see David's kingship established over all Israel.

not turning to the right or to the left
This phrase emphasizes Asahel's single-minded determination and focus in his pursuit of Abner. It suggests a relentless and unwavering commitment, which is a recurring theme in biblical narratives where individuals are called to follow God's path without deviation. This imagery is also used in Deuteronomy 5:32 and Joshua 1:7, where the Israelites are instructed to follow God's commandments without turning aside. Asahel's focus can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual dedication and the pursuit of righteousness.

in his pursuit
The pursuit of Abner by Asahel is not just a physical chase but also represents the larger spiritual and political struggle between the forces loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. This pursuit ultimately leads to Asahel's death at the hands of Abner, which sets off a chain of events leading to further conflict and bloodshed. The pursuit can be seen as a type of the relentless pursuit of justice and the fulfillment of God's promises, as David's eventual kingship over all Israel is part of God's covenant with him. This pursuit also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's anointed king, a type of Christ, who will establish His kingdom in righteousness.

1. Asahel
Asahel was one of the sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Known for his swiftness, Asahel was a valiant warrior and one of David's mighty men.

2. Abner
Abner was the son of Ner and the commander of Saul's army. He was a significant military leader and played a crucial role in the power struggles following Saul's death.

3. Pursuit
The event described is part of a larger conflict between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's house. Asahel's pursuit of Abner is a key moment in this conflict, highlighting themes of loyalty, bravery, and the tragic consequences of war.The Dangers of Single-Minded Pursuit
Asahel's relentless pursuit of Abner, without considering the potential consequences, serves as a cautionary tale. In our lives, we must balance determination with wisdom and discernment.

Understanding the Cost of Conflict
The pursuit and subsequent events highlight the personal and communal costs of conflict. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to seek reconciliation wherever possible.

The Importance of Spiritual Focus
Asahel's unwavering focus can inspire us to maintain our spiritual focus on Christ. However, we must ensure that our pursuits align with God's will and purpose for our lives.

Family and Loyalty
Asahel's actions reflect his loyalty to David, his uncle. This loyalty, while commendable, also reminds us to evaluate our allegiances and ensure they are rooted in righteousness and truth.Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2

Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?

How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory in 1 Samuel 17?

In 2 Samuel 2:18-23, how credible is it that Abner kills Asahel with the blunt end of his spear in a swift chase?

1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?(19) Asahel pursued after Abner.--Asahel, the youngest of the three nephews of David, took part in the battle with his elder brothers, and well knowing how completely the cause of Ish-bosheth depended upon Abner, pertinaciously sought him out in the pursuit. His great fleetness enabled him to overtake Abner and, coming behind him, endanger his life. Abner was unwilling to injure him, and only after remonstrating with him, and urging him to seek the spoil of some warrior more nearly his equal (2Samuel 2:20-22), did he unwillingly slay him "with the hinder end of his spear." The spears were sharpened at the "hinder end" for the purpose of sticking them into the ground (1Samuel 26:7). Abner's reluctance to kill Asahel may have been partly on account of his extreme youth, but was chiefly through dread of the vengeance of Joab (2Samuel 2:22). "The fifth rib" here, and wherever else it occurs (2Samuel 3:27; 2Samuel 4:6; 2Samuel 20:10), should be translated abdomen. . . . Verse 19. - Asahel pursued after Abner. This episode is fully narrated, both because of Asahel's rank as David's nephew, and also because of its tragical consequences to Abner himself. Asahel was a son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and, while his own brothers were of little use to him, his nephews, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, were the mainstays of David's throne. As their father's name is never mentioned, but only the mother's, Zeruiah was probably a woman of great ability, and her sons inherited it from her. Possibly she had married beneath her station, or her husband had died early; but certainly her sons, thinking more of her than of their father, had soon thrown in their lot with David her brother (but see note on ver. 32). The youngest of the three, Asahel, was remarkable for his personal accomplishments, and especially for swiftness of foot, for which he was compared to the Zebi, the camp name of Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:19). It now caused his death. For conscious that Abner was the sole support of Ishbosheth's party, and indignant at his challenge to useless slaughter, he pursued after him, allowing nothing to divert him from his object, and hoping to end the war by slaying the veteran commander. But though he had the fleetness of an Achilles, he had not his robust strength, and Abner, knowing that the combat was unequal, remonstrated with him, and bade him turn aside, and be content with winning the spoils of some meaner warrior. It is evident from this that Abner saw in this defeat in a battle of his own choosing, the certainty of the near downfall of the house of Saul, and, as he would then be in Joab's power, he was unwilling to have a blood feud with a man of such determined character. "How," he asks, "should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?" It would be his duty, as the avenger of blood, to slay me. Apparently, during this conference, he was standing with the butt end of his lance held towards Asahel, to ward off his blows, but, as the spearhead was turned the other way, Asahel forgot that even so it might be used for offence. For it was pointed, that it might be stuck in the ground at night (1 Samuel 26:7), and possibly shod with iron, though it is more likely that it was only hardened by being thrust into the fire. So when he saw that his words had no avail, and that Asahel was not on his guard, he suddenly struck him with it so violent a blow that it pierced his body right through, and Asahel fell down dead. It is probable, from the merciless force used, that there was a sudden outburst of anger on Abner's part.

Parallel Commentaries ...


and he
עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל (‘ă·śā·h·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6214: Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites

chased
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף (way·yir·dōp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

Abner,
אַבְנֵ֑ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turning
נָטָ֣ה (nā·ṭāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

to the right
הַיָּמִין֙ (hay·yā·mîn)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

or to the left
הַשְּׂמֹ֔אול (haś·śə·mō·wl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand

in his pursuit.
אַבְנֵֽר׃ (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name


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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:19 Asahel pursued after Abner (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)