Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Again Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?” New Living Translation Again Abner shouted to him, “Get away from here! I don’t want to kill you. How could I ever face your brother Joab again?” English Standard Version And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” Berean Standard Bible Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” King James Bible And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? New King James Version So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?” New American Standard Bible Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside for your own good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?” NASB 1995 Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” NASB 1977 And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” Legacy Standard Bible And Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” Amplified Bible Abner repeated again, “Turn away from following me. Why should I have to strike you to the ground? How would I be able to face Joab your brother [and look him in the eye]?” Christian Standard Bible Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face?” American Standard Version And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? Contemporary English Version Abner said, "If you don't turn back, I'll have to kill you! Then I could never face your brother Joab again." English Revised Version And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? GOD'S WORD® Translation So Abner spoke again to Asahel. "Stop following me," he said. "Why should I kill you? How could I look your brother Joab in the face again?" Good News Translation Once more Abner said to him, "Stop chasing me! Why force me to kill you? How could I face your brother Joab?" International Standard Version so Abner told Asahel again, "Stop following me. Why should I strike you down? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?" NET Bible So Abner spoke again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me! I do not want to strike you to the ground. How then could I show my face in the presence of Joab your brother?" New Heart English Bible Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?" Webster's Bible Translation And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: Why should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOnce again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” World English Bible Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Abner adds again, saying to Asahel, “Turn aside from after me, why do I strike you to the earth? And how do I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” Young's Literal Translation And Abner addeth again, saying unto Asahel, 'Turn thee aside from after me, why do I smite thee to the earth? and how do I lift up my face unto Joab thy brother?' Smith's Literal Translation And Abner will add yet to say to Asahel, Turn aside for thyself from after me: wherefore shall I strike thee to the earth? and how shall I lift up my face to Joab thy brother? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd again Abner said to Asael: Go off, and do not follow me, lest I be obliged to stab thee to the ground, and I shall not be able to hold up my face to Joab thy brother. Catholic Public Domain Version And again, Abner said to Asahel: “Withdraw, and do not choose to follow me. Otherwise, I will be compelled to stab you to the ground, and I will not be able to lift up my face before your brother, Joab.” New American Bible Once more Abner said to Asahel: “Stop pursuing me! Why must I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” New Revised Standard Version Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me; why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abner spoke again to Ashael, to turn from following him, saying, Turn from following me, lest I smite you and throw you on the ground; how then could I lift up my face and look at Joab your brother. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abnir continued again telling Shayel to turn from after him and said: “Turn yourself from after me lest I strike you and I throw you on the ground, and how will I lift my face and gaze at Yuab your brother?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abner said again to Asahel: 'Turn thee aside from following me; wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abenner said yet again to Asael, Stand aloof from me, lest I smite thee to the ground? and how should I lift up my face to Joab? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context War Between the Houses of David and Saul…21So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. 22Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” 23But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.… Cross References 1 Samuel 26:9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 1 Samuel 24:6-7 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” / With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. 1 Kings 2:5-6 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Kings 2:32-33 The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” 1 Chronicles 11:18-19 So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, / saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder. Deuteronomy 19:10 Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. Numbers 35:33-34 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. Proverbs 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. Matthew 26:52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 13:4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Treasury of Scripture And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I smite you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother? wherefore 2 Kings 14:10-12 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? … Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Ecclesiastes 6:10 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. how then 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. Jump to Previous Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned WhereforeJump to Next Abner Addeth Asahel As'ahel Chasing End Face Following Ground Hold Joab Jo'ab Lift Repeated Shamed Side Smite Stop Strike Turn Warned Wherefore2 Samuel 2 1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron 4. where he is made king of Judah 5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel 8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel 12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men. 18. Asahel is slain 25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat 32. Asahel's burial Once again, Abner warned Asahel Abner, the commander of Saul's army, is in a precarious situation. Asahel, known for his swiftness, is pursuing him. This pursuit occurs during the civil conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner's warning indicates a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, especially against a fellow Israelite. The repetition of the warning suggests Abner's reluctance to harm Asahel, highlighting the tension between personal relationships and political allegiances. Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab? Persons / Places / Events 1. AbnerThe commander of Saul's army, a key military leader in Israel, and a central figure in the power struggle following Saul's death. 2. Asahel The brother of Joab, known for his swiftness and determination. He was one of David's mighty men. 3. Joab The brother of Asahel and a prominent military leader under King David. He plays a significant role in the political and military events of David's reign. 4. The Pursuit This event occurs during a battle between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's house, highlighting the internal conflict within Israel. 5. Gibeon The location near which this pursuit and confrontation occur, a significant site in Israel's history. Teaching Points The Value of Life and RestraintAbner's plea to Asahel underscores the importance of valuing life and exercising restraint, even in the heat of conflict. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to avoid unnecessary harm to others. The Consequences of Stubbornness Asahel's refusal to heed Abner's warning serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of stubbornness and pride. We must be willing to listen to wise counsel and avoid reckless pursuits that can lead to destruction. Respect for Relationships Abner's concern about facing Joab after potentially killing Asahel highlights the importance of maintaining respect and consideration in our relationships. We should strive to preserve peace and harmony, especially among fellow believers. The Role of Leadership in Conflict As a leader, Abner demonstrates a level of responsibility and foresight in trying to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Christian leaders are called to guide others with wisdom and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story? 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? (2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language? 2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Once again,וַיֹּ֧סֶף (way·yō·sep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment Abner אַבְנֵ֗ר (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name warned לֵאמֹר֙ (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say Asahel, עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל (‘ă·śā·h·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6214: Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites “Stop ס֥וּר (sūr) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5493: To turn aside chasing me. מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑י (mê·’a·ḥă·rāy) Preposition-m | first person common singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part Why לָ֤מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what should I strike אַכֶּ֙כָּה֙ (’ak·kek·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike you to the ground? אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land How וְאֵיךְ֙ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 349: How?, how!, where could I show אֶשָּׂ֣א (’eś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take my face פָנַ֔י (p̄ā·nay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 6440: The face to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to your brother אָחִֽיךָ׃ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Joab?” יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites Links 2 Samuel 2:22 NIV2 Samuel 2:22 NLT 2 Samuel 2:22 ESV 2 Samuel 2:22 NASB 2 Samuel 2:22 KJV 2 Samuel 2:22 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 2:22 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 2:22 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 2:22 French Bible 2 Samuel 2:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 2:22 Abner said again to Asahel Turn you (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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