2 Samuel 2:22
2 Samuel 2:22 in Multiple Translations
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?”
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?
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?
Then again Abner said to Asahel, Go to one side, do not keep on coming after me: why will you make me put an end to you? for then I will be shamed before your brother Joab.
Abner warned Asahel again. “Stop chasing me!” he shouted. “Why do you want me to kill you? How could I ever face your brother Joab?”
And Abner saide to Asahel, Depart from me: wherefore shoulde I smite thee to the grounde? howe then shoulde I be able to holde vp my face to Ioab thy brother?
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?'
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?”
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?
And 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.
So Abner yelled at him again, “Stop ◄chasing after/pursuing► me! ◄Why should I kill you?/It would not be good for me to kill you!► [RHQ] If I did that, ◄how could I <face/be reconciled with> your brother Joab?/it would be very difficult for me to <face/be reconciled with> your brother Joab.► [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:22
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 2:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧סֶף
ע֣וֹד
אַבְנֵ֗ר
לֵ/אמֹר֙
אֶל
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל
ס֥וּר
לְ/ךָ֖
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
לָ֤/מָּה
אַכֶּ֨/כָּה֙
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
וְ/אֵיךְ֙
אֶשָּׂ֣א
פָנַ֔/י
אֶל
יוֹאָ֖ב
אָחִֽי/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֧סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
אַבְנֵ֗ר
ʼAbnêr
H74
Abner
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל
ʻĂsâhʼêl
H6214
Asahel
N-proper
ס֥וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Prep | Suff
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
אַכֶּ֨/כָּה֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֵיךְ֙
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
פָנַ֔/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
אָחִֽי/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:22
וַ/יֹּ֧סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
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.
לֵ/אמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
ס֥וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אַֽחֲרָ֑/י
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.
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אַכֶּ֨/כָּה֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אַ֔רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אֵיךְ֙
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
פָנַ֔/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹאָ֖ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
אָחִֽי/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 2:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:22
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:22
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
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. 24But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 14:10–12 | You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 6:10 | Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. |
2 Samuel 2:22 Summary
In this verse, Abner is trying to avoid a confrontation with Asahel, because he knows that hurting him would lead to more problems with Asahel's brother Joab. Abner is showing consideration for others and thinking about how his actions might affect those around him, which is an important lesson for us to learn (as seen in Matthew 7:12). We can apply this to our own lives by being mindful of how our actions might impact others and trying to avoid causing unnecessary harm. By considering the potential consequences of our actions, we can work towards building stronger, more loving relationships with those around us, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abner warn Asahel to stop chasing him?
Abner warned Asahel because he did not want to hurt him, as Asahel was the brother of Joab, and Abner knew that killing him would lead to further conflict, as seen in the pursuit by Joab and Abishai in 2 Samuel 2:24.
What does this verse reveal about Abner's character?
This verse shows that Abner was a man who valued relationships and did not want to cause unnecessary harm, as he considered the potential consequences of his actions, similar to David's actions in 1 Samuel 24:6 when he spared Saul's life.
How does Asahel's refusal to listen to Abner relate to other biblical teachings?
Asahel's refusal to listen to Abner's warning can be seen as a form of stubbornness, which is warned against in Proverbs 12:1, and it ultimately led to his downfall, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:23.
What can we learn from Abner's concern about showing his face to Joab?
Abner's concern about showing his face to Joab highlights the importance of considering the potential consequences of our actions on our relationships with others, as taught in Ephesians 4:32, and being mindful of how our actions may affect those around us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am stubbornly pursuing something that may lead to harm, and what warnings am I ignoring?
- How can I cultivate a sense of consideration for others, like Abner, in my relationships and interactions?
- What are some potential consequences of my actions that I should be considering, and how can I be more mindful of these in my decision-making?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of considering the potential consequences of my actions, as seen in Abner's warning to Asahel, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:22
And Abner said again to Asahel,.... Being loath to dispatch him: turn thee aside from following me, wherefore should I smite thee to the ground?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:22
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 2:22
He was loth to enrage Joab too much against him, because his guilty conscience told him that his cause was bad, and herefore he presaged ill success, and that he might need such a friend as Joab to make his peace with David.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:22
2 Samuel 2:22 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?Ver. 22. Wherefore should I smite thee to the ground?] As I shall be forced to do, if thou desist not. If a man must kill or be killed, (1.) He must flee; (2.) Defend himself by all means possible, dissuading the party, as here, and otherwise as he may. That tenet of Navarrus is most false, that a man may lawfully kill another, for the avoiding of a box on the ear, and to recover his honour. And so is that of Soto, A man may kill another in his own defence, because it is a shame to flee from an adversary. These are your Popish casuists.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:22
22. Turn thee aside] Asahel was probably a mere stripling, and no match for Abner, who, wishing to avoid a feud with Joab and an obstacle to making favourable terms with David on the fall of Saul’s house, again exhorted Asahel to abandon the pursuit. hold up my face to Joab] Meet him with the steady gaze which is the index of a clear conscience, the opposite of the downcast look which betokens shame and guilt. Cp. Job 11:15.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:22
22. Wherefore should I smite thee to the ground — Abner knew that his youthful pursuer was no match for him in strategy or war, and he did not wish to kill him because of the personal enmity that
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:22
| Sermon | Description | |
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1 Samuel 4:13 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin a |
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(2 Samuel) Believing and Living by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to yield their lives to God and take action in following His calling. They emphasize the importance of not delaying in doing wha |
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The Defeated Father by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of defeat in our homes and provides guidance on how to overcome it. He shares his own experience of raising four daughters and how t |
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(So Great a Salvation) Awakening by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |
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Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his |
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The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls, |
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Attitudes on Spiritual Dating by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and why people are tempted in different areas. He emphasizes the importance of not being critical of others who are no |