2 Samuel 2:21

2 Samuel 2:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So 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.

King James Version KJV

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.

American Standard Version ASV

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Abner said, Then go to the right or to the left and put your hands on one of the fighting-men and take his arms. But Asahel would not be turned away from going after Abner.

Free Bible Version FBV

Abner told him, “Leave me alone! Go and fight somebody else and take his weapons for yourself!” But Asahel refused to stop chasing him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Abner said, Turne thee either to the right hande, or to the left, and take one of the yong men, and take thee his weapons: and Asahel would not depart from him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Abner saith to him, 'Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and seize for thee one of the youths, and take to thee his armour;' and Asahel hath not been willing to turn aside from after him.

World English Bible WEB

Abner said to him, “Turn away to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn away from following him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay hold on one of the young men, and take to thee his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Abner said to him: Go to the right hand or to the left, and lay hold on one of the young men and take thee his spoils. But Asael would not leave off following him close.

Translation for Translators T4T

Abner yelled at him, “Turn to one side or the other, and pursue someone else!” But Asahel would not stop pursuing Abner.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ל֣/וֹ אַבְנֵ֗ר נְטֵ֤ה לְ/ךָ֙ עַל יְמִֽינְ/ךָ֙ א֣וֹ עַל שְׂמֹאלֶ֔/ךָ וֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז לְ/ךָ֗ אֶחָד֙ מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים וְ/קַח לְ/ךָ֖ אֶת חֲלִצָת֑/וֹ וְ/לֹֽא אָבָ֣ה עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל לָ/ס֖וּר מֵ/אַחֲרָֽי/ו

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֣/וֹ Prep | Suff

אַבְנֵ֗ר ʼAbnêr H74 Abner N-proper

נְטֵ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְ/ךָ֙ Prep | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יְמִֽינְ/ךָ֙ yâmîyn H3225 Ben]jamin N-fs | Suff

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׂמֹאלֶ֔/ךָ sᵉmôʼwl H8040 left N-ms | Suff

וֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְ/ךָ֗ Prep | Suff

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Adj

מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים naʻar H5288 youth Prep | Art | N-mp

וְ/קַח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְ/ךָ֖ Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חֲלִצָת֑/וֹ chălîytsâh H2488 spoil N-fs | Suff

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

אָבָ֣ה ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 Asahel N-proper

לָ/ס֖וּר çûwr H5493 to turn aside Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מֵ/אַחֲרָֽי/ו ʼachar H310 after Prep | Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:21

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֣/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

אַבְנֵ֗ר ʼAbnêr H74 "Abner" N-proper

Abner was a prominent Israelite, cousin of King Saul, and army captain, who played a key role in the book of 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50; son of: Ner (H5369); father of: Jaasiel (H3300H) § Abner = "my father is a lamp" Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Abner. See also: 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 27:21.

נְטֵ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

לְ/ךָ֙ "" Prep | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יְמִֽינְ/ךָ֙ yâmîyn H3225 "Ben]jamin" N-fs | Suff

Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

שְׂמֹאלֶ֔/ךָ sᵉmôʼwl H8040 "left" N-ms | Suff

This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.

Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.

וֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.

לְ/ךָ֗ "" Prep | Suff

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

מֵֽ/הַ/נְּעָרִ֔ים naʻar H5288 "youth" Prep | Art | N-mp

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

וְ/קַח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

לְ/ךָ֖ "" Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

חֲלִצָת֑/וֹ chălîytsâh H2488 "spoil" N-fs | Suff

This term describes the spoils of war, like armor or loot taken from an enemy, and is used in the Bible to talk about the aftermath of battles.

Definition: what is stripped off (a person in war), armour, spoils, belt

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: armour. See also: Judges 14:19; 2 Samuel 2:21.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָבָ֣ה ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.

Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.

עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל ʻĂsâhʼêl H6214 "Asahel" N-proper

Asahel was a man in the Bible whose name means 'God-made'. He was the nephew of King David and was known for his speed, but was tragically killed by Abner in battle, as told in 2 Samuel 2:23.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.15; father of: Jonathan (H3129I) § Asahel = "God-made" 1) nephew of David, son of David's sister Zeruiah, and brother of Joab and Abishai; swift of foot he was killed by Abner when he pursued him in battle and caught him 2) a Levite in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah who went through the kingdom giving instruction in the law 3) a Levite in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah in charge of the tithes and dedicated things in the temple 4) a priest, father of Jonathan, in the time of Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Asahel. See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 3:27; Ezra 10:15.

לָ/ס֖וּר çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

מֵ/אַחֲרָֽי/ו ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 2:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:21
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:21
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:21

Context — The Battle of Gibeon

19and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. 20And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.

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

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 14:19	Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,

2 Samuel 2:21 Summary

This verse shows how Abner tried to warn Asahel to stop chasing him, but Asahel refused to listen. Asahel was so focused on catching Abner that he didn't consider the danger, similar to how we can get caught up in our own desires and ignore warning signs, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. Abner's suggestion to seize one of the young men's equipment was a way to satisfy Asahel's desire for battle spoils without having to fight him, but Asahel's refusal to stop chasing Abner ultimately led to his death, highlighting the importance of listening to wisdom and avoiding reckless behavior, as warned against in Proverbs 12:11. This teaches us to be careful and listen to wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abner suggest that Asahel seize one of the young men and take his equipment?

Abner suggested this to Asahel as a way to satisfy his desire for battle spoils without having to engage in a potentially fatal duel with him, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:21, similar to the way David spared Saul's life in 1 Samuel 24:7.

What can we learn from Asahel's refusal to stop chasing Abner?

Asahel's refusal to stop chasing Abner, despite Abner's warnings, shows the importance of listening to wisdom and avoiding reckless behavior, as warned against in Proverbs 12:11 and Proverbs 22:3.

How does this verse relate to the concept of discernment in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of discernment, as Asahel failed to discern the danger of pursuing Abner, whereas Abner was trying to avoid conflict, similar to the way Jesus taught his disciples to be wise as serpents in Matthew 10:16.

What does this verse teach us about the consequences of disobedience?

This verse teaches us that disobedience can have serious consequences, as Asahel's refusal to listen to Abner's warnings ultimately led to his death, as seen in the outcome of the event in 2 Samuel 2:23, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am recklessly pursuing something, despite warning signs or wise counsel, and how can I apply the lesson from Asahel's mistake to those areas?
How can I cultivate discernment in my decision-making, and what role does prayer and seeking wise counsel play in this process, as seen in Proverbs 11:14?
In what ways can I prioritize obedience to God's commands, even when it's difficult or unpopular, and how can I trust in His sovereignty when faced with uncertain outcomes, as seen in Romans 8:28?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and listening to others, and how can I apply this lesson to my relationships and interactions with others, as seen in James 1:19-20?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:21

And Abner said unto him,.... Having a respect for him, and consulting his good, and however fearing his brother Joab should he slay him: turn thee aside to thy right or to thy left; he does not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:21

Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21

Take thee his armour: if thou art ambitious to get a trophy or mark of thy valour, desist from me, who am an old and experienced captain, and go to some young and raw soldier; try thy skill upon him, and take away his arms from him.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21

2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.Ver. 21. Lay thee hold on one of the young men.] Meddle with thy match, and contend not with him that is mightier than thou. Patroclus is no meet match for Hector. When Carolostadius opposed Luther’ s consubstantiation, but weakly and insufficiently, Zuinglius said he was sorry that so good a cause wanted shoulders. Heat of zeal sometimes, in the indiscreet pursuit of a just adversary, proves mortal to the agent, prejudicial to the service. Non satis humerorum haberet.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21

Verse 21. Take thee his armour.] It seems Asahel wished to get the armour of Abner as a trophy; this also was greatly coveted by ancient heroes. Abner wished to spare him, for fear of exciting Joab's enmity; but as Asahel was obstinate in the pursuit, and was swifter of foot than Abner, the latter saw that he must either kill or be killed, and therefore he turned his spear and ran it through the body of Asahel. This turning about that he might pierce him is what we translate "the hinder end of his spear." This slaying of Asahel cost Abner his life, as we shall find in the next chapter.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:21

21. take thee his armour] Probably, as in Judges 14:19, his spoil: i.e. if Asahel was desirous of spoil, he might find it elsewhere, instead of attacking a practised warrior at the risk of his life.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:21

His armour - Rather, as in the margin; i. e. content thyself with the spoil of some inferior soldier for a trophy.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:21

21. Lay thee hold on one of the young men — One of the common soldiers. Take thee his armour — Asahel’s object was to slay Abner and take his armour as a trophy.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:21

	Sermon	Description
	Samson #2 - First Warfare by Andrew Foster	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking sin lightly and avoiding the temptation to pursue revival and deliverance in our own terms. He refers to the st

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