CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/10_2Sa_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 2:18 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:17">◄</a> 2 Samuel 2:18 <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2.htm">New International Version</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Joab, Abishai, and Asahel—the three sons of Zeruiah—were among David’s forces that day. Asahel could run like a gazelle, <a href="/esv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles that is in the field. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Three sons of Zeruiah [the half sister of David] were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as light and swift-footed as one of the [wild] gazelles in the field. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like one of the wild gazelles. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like one of the wild gazelles. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Zeruiah's three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel could run as fast as a deer in an open field, <a href="/erv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Zeruiah's three sons were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel, who could run as fast as a wild deer, <a href="/isv/2_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Zeruiah's three sons Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were there. As a runner, Asahel was fast, like one of the wild gazelles. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, <a href="/net/2_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there--Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. (Now Asahel was as quick on his feet as one of the gazelles in the field.) <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as quick on his feet as a wild gazelle. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. <a href="/web/2_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there are three sons of Zeruiah there: Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel [is] light on his feet, as one of the roes which [are] in the field, <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there are there three sons of Zeruiah, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel, and Asahel is light on his feet, as one of the roes which are in the field, <a href="/slt/2_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there will be there three sons of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was swift in his feet as one of the roes which are in the field.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there were the three sons of Sarvia there, Joab, and Abisai, and Asael: now Asael was a most swift runner, like one of the roes that abide in the woods. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now the three sons of Zeruiah were in that place: Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was a very swift runner, like one of the deer that lives in the forest. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel, who was as fleet of foot as a gazelle in the open field, <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And there were three sons of Zoriah there, Joab, Abishai, and Ashael; and Ashael was as swift of foot as a desert gazelle. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there were three sons of Tsuria: “Yuab and Abishai and Shayel, and Shayel was fast on his feet, as one of the deer that is in the wilderness<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as light of foot as one of the roes that are in the field. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there were there the three sons of Saruia, Joab, and Abessa, and Asael: and Asael was swift in his feet as a roe in the field. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=433" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">War Between the Houses of David and Saul</a> …17The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. 18<a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šāh (Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">The three</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/6870.htm" title="6870: ṣə·rū·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite woman. Feminine passive participle from the same as tsriy; wounded; Tserujah, an Israelitess.">of Zeruiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: wa·’ă·ḇî·šay (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">Abishai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6214.htm" title="6214: wa·‘ă·śā·h·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- God has made, four Isr. From asah and 'el; God has made; Asahel, the name of four Israelites.">and Asahel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6214.htm" title="6214: wa·‘ă·śā·h·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- God has made, four Isr. From asah and 'el; God has made; Asahel, the name of four Israelites.">Now Asahel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7031.htm" title="7031: qal (Adj-ms) -- Light, swift, fleet. Contracted from qalal; light; rapid.">was fleet</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: bə·raḡ·lāw (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">of foot</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: kə·’a·ḥaḏ (Prep-k:: Number-msc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">like a</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: baś·śā·ḏeh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">wild</a> <a href="/hebrew/6643.htm" title="6643: haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Splendor, a gazelle. From tsabah in the sense of prominence; splendor; also a gazelle.">gazelle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> 19and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: <a href="/1_samuel/14-50.htm">1 Samuel 14:50-52</a> His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. / Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. / And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">1 Samuel 17:13</a> The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">1 Chronicles 2:16</a> Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6</a> And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55-58</a> As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. ... <a href="/1_samuel/16-10.htm">1 Samuel 16:10-11</a> Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” / And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-36</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-2.htm">1 Samuel 18:2</a> And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25</a> He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty. <a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">1 Samuel 22:1-2</a> So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. <a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a> And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. <a href="/1_samuel/30-9.htm">1 Samuel 30:9</a> So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind <a href="/1_samuel/30-23.htm">1 Samuel 30:23</a> But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.three<a href="/1_chronicles/2-15.htm">1 Chronicles 2:15,16</a> Ozem the sixth, David the seventh: … <a href="/1_chronicles/11-26.htm">1 Chronicles 11:26</a> Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,was as light<a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a> Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.<a href="/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;<a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10,11</a> He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man… foot [heb] his feet <a href="/psalms/18-33.htm">Psalm 18:33</a> He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.<a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Song of Solomon 2:17</a> Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.<a href="/songs/8-14.htm">Song of Solomon 8:14</a> Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.<a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">2 Samuel 15:22</a> And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">As'ahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-16.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/amos/2-15.htm">Fleet-Footed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-22.htm">Gazelle</a> <a href="/songs/3-5.htm">Gazelles</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-10.htm">Light</a> <a href="/amos/2-15.htm">Quick-Footed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-5.htm">Roe</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-19.htm">Roes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Zeruiah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Zeru'iah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">As'ahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-8.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/amos/2-15.htm">Fleet-Footed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-4.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Gazelle</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-23.htm">Gazelles</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-12.htm">Light</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-23.htm">Quick-Footed</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-23.htm">Roe</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-34.htm">Roes</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-28.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-31.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Zeruiah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Zeru'iah</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 2</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron </a> 4. <a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">where he is made king of Judah</a> 5. <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel</a> 8. <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel</a> 12. <a href="/2_samuel/2-12.htm">A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Asahel is slain</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat</a> 32. <a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Asahel's burial</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Zeruiah was the sister of King David, making her sons David's nephews. Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were prominent figures in David's military. Joab, the eldest, became the commander of David's army and played a crucial role in many of David's military campaigns. Abishai was known for his bravery and loyalty, often accompanying David in dangerous situations. Asahel, the youngest, was noted for his speed and agility. The mention of these three brothers highlights their importance in the narrative of David's rise to power and the internal conflicts within Israel. Their familial connection to David also underscores the complex dynamics of loyalty and rivalry in the royal court.Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, Asahel's swiftness is emphasized here, likening him to a wild gazelle, an animal known for its speed and agility. This comparison not only highlights Asahel's physical prowess but also sets the stage for the events that follow, where his speed becomes a critical factor in the narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such attributes were highly valued in warriors, as speed could determine the outcome of battles. Asahel's fleetness is a key element in the ensuing chase with Abner, Saul's former commander, which ultimately leads to Asahel's death. This phrase also foreshadows the tragic consequences of Asahel's pursuit, illustrating the themes of ambition and the cost of war.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zeruiah.htm">Zeruiah</a> The mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. She is notable for being the sister of King David, making her sons David's nephews. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The eldest son of Zeruiah, a prominent military commander under King David. Known for his strategic mind and sometimes ruthless actions. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> The second son of Zeruiah, a loyal warrior to David, often seen alongside his brothers in military exploits. 4. <a href="/topical/a/asahel.htm">Asahel</a> The youngest son of Zeruiah, described as swift and agile, which plays a significant role in the events that follow in the account. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wild_gazelle.htm">Wild Gazelle</a> A metaphor used to describe Asahel's speed and agility, emphasizing his natural ability and potential in battle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/family_influence_and_legacy.htm">Family Influence and Legacy</a> The sons of Zeruiah were influential figures in David's reign, highlighting the impact of family legacy and the importance of godly influence within the family unit. <a href="/topical/n/natural_abilities_and_divine_purpose.htm">Natural Abilities and Divine Purpose</a> Asahel's speed is a God-given talent, reminding us to recognize and utilize our natural abilities for God's purposes, while also seeking His guidance in how to apply them. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_impulsiveness.htm">The Dangers of Impulsiveness</a> Asahel's pursuit of Abner, driven by his confidence in his speed, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of acting impulsively without considering the consequences. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_courage_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Courage in Leadership</a> The courage displayed by the sons of Zeruiah in battle is a testament to the importance of bravery and decisiveness in leadership, especially in spiritual warfare.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2</a> <a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_2_samuel_18_events.htm">Do archaeological findings or historical records outside the Bible provide evidence confirming or contradicting the events described in 2 Samuel 18?</a> <a href="/q/are_1_chron._27_commanders_verifiable.htm">Are the named commanders in 1 Chronicles 27 historically verifiable through archaeology or extrabiblical records? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_david_lament_abner's_death.htm">2 Samuel 3:33–34: Why does David publicly lament Abner’s death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_david_punish_joab.htm">2 Samuel 3:27–30: Why doesn’t David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The three שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ (šə·lō·šāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zeruiah צְרוּיָ֔ה (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6870.htm">Strong's 6870: </a> Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman were וַיִּֽהְיוּ־ (way·yih·yū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be there: שָׁ֗ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither Joab, יוֹאָ֥ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites Abishai, וַאֲבִישַׁ֖י (wa·’ă·ḇî·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name and Asahel. וַעֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל (wa·‘ă·śā·h·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6214.htm">Strong's 6214: </a> Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites Now Asahel וַעֲשָׂהאֵל֙ (wa·‘ă·śā·h·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6214.htm">Strong's 6214: </a> Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites [was] fleet קַ֣ל (qal) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7031.htm">Strong's 7031: </a> Light, swift, fleet of foot בְּרַגְלָ֔יו (bə·raḡ·lāw) Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> A foot, a step, the pudenda like a כְּאַחַ֥ד (kə·’a·ḥaḏ) Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first wild בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃ (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land gazelle, הַצְּבָיִ֖ם (haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6643.htm">Strong's 6643: </a> Splendor, a gazelle <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>