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<!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 2:19 and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/2-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/10_2Sa_02_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 2:19 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit." /><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/2-19.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/2-19.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 19</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="/ad19.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/2-18.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:18">◄</a> 2 Samuel 2:19 <a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:20">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He chased Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he pursued him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and he began chasing Abner. He pursued him relentlessly, not stopping for anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Asahel pursued Abner, and in going he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left as he followed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He chased Abner and did not turn to the right or the left in his pursuit of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He chased Abner and did not turn to the right or the left in his pursuit of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and he ran straight after Abner, without looking to the right or to the left. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He chased Abner and refused to leave him alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />started chasing Abner, running straight for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Asahel ran straight after Abner, following him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Asahel chased Abner, without turning to the right or to the left as he followed Abner. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Asahel pursued after Abner, and as he went he did not turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Asahel pursued Abner. He didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Asahel pursues after Abner, and has not turned aside to go to the right or to the left, from after Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Asahel pursueth after Abner, and hath not turned aside to go to the right or to the left, from after Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Asahel will pursue after Abner; and he turned not to the right or to the left from after Abner.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Asael pursued after Abner, and turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued Abner, and he did not turn aside to the right, nor to the left, to cease in the pursuit of Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />set out after Abner, turning neither right nor left in his pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Asahel pursued Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he followed him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Ashael pursued Abner; and he turned not to the right hand nor to the left as he followed Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shayel chased after Abnir and he did not turn aside to go to the right or to the left after Abnir<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Asael followed after Abenner, and turned not to go to the right hand or to the left from following Abenner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=443" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">War Between the Houses of David and Saul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6214.htm" title="6214: ‘ă·śā·h·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- God has made, four Isr. From asah and 'el; God has made; Asahel, the name of four Israelites.">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: way·yir·dōp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">chased</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">Abner,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: nā·ṭāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">turning</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lā·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: hay·yā·mîn (Art:: N-fs) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">to the right</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: haś·śə·mō·wl (Art:: N-ms) -- The left. ">or to the left</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">in his pursuit.</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8</a></span><br />Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20-21</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-2.htm">1 Chronicles 12:2</a></span><br />they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-4.htm">1 Chronicles 27:4</a></span><br />Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader. There were 24,000 men in his division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">2 Samuel 23:18-19</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-45.htm">Judges 20:45-46</a></span><br />Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more. / That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">1 Samuel 17:39</a></span><br />David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a></span><br />and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33</a></span><br />Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10</a></span><br />Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">1 Samuel 26:15</a></span><br />So David said to Abner, “You are a man, aren’t you? And who in Israel is your equal? Why then did you not protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-22.htm">1 Samuel 26:22</a></span><br />“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2</a></span><br />The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.</p><p class="hdg">turned</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">2 Samuel 2:21</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a></b></br> Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6</a></b></br> Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left;</p><p class="hdg">following Abner [heb] after Abner </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">As'ahel</a> <a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Chased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Following</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-22.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-22.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-12.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm">As'ahel</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-28.htm">Chased</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Following</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">where he is made king of Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-12.htm">A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Asahel is slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Asahel's burial</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>and he chased Abner</b><br>This phrase refers to Asahel, the brother of Joab and Abishai, who was one of David's mighty men. Asahel's pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, highlights the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David following Saul's death. Abner had declared Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. This pursuit is part of the larger narrative of the struggle for power and the eventual unification of Israel under David. Asahel's determination to chase Abner reflects his loyalty to David and his desire to see David's kingship established over all Israel.<p><b>not turning to the right or to the left</b><br>This phrase emphasizes Asahel's single-minded determination and focus in his pursuit of Abner. It suggests a relentless and unwavering commitment, which is a recurring theme in biblical narratives where individuals are called to follow God's path without deviation. This imagery is also used in <a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32</a> and <a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a>, where the Israelites are instructed to follow God's commandments without turning aside. Asahel's focus can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual dedication and the pursuit of righteousness.<p><b>in his pursuit</b><br>The pursuit of Abner by Asahel is not just a physical chase but also represents the larger spiritual and political struggle between the forces loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. This pursuit ultimately leads to Asahel's death at the hands of Abner, which sets off a chain of events leading to further conflict and bloodshed. The pursuit can be seen as a type of the relentless pursuit of justice and the fulfillment of God's promises, as David's eventual kingship over all Israel is part of God's covenant with him. This pursuit also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's anointed king, a type of Christ, who will establish His kingdom in righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asahel.htm">Asahel</a></b><br>Asahel was one of the sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Known for his swiftness, Asahel was a valiant warrior and one of David's mighty men.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>Abner was the son of Ner and the commander of Saul's army. He was a significant military leader and played a crucial role in the power struggles following Saul's death.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit.htm">Pursuit</a></b><br>The event described is part of a larger conflict between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's house. Asahel's pursuit of Abner is a key moment in this conflict, highlighting themes of loyalty, bravery, and the tragic consequences of war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_single-minded_pursuit.htm">The Dangers of Single-Minded Pursuit</a></b><br>Asahel's relentless pursuit of Abner, without considering the potential consequences, serves as a cautionary tale. In our lives, we must balance determination with wisdom and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_cost_of_conflict.htm">Understanding the Cost of Conflict</a></b><br>The pursuit and subsequent events highlight the personal and communal costs of conflict. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to seek reconciliation wherever possible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_focus.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Focus</a></b><br>Asahel's unwavering focus can inspire us to maintain our spiritual focus on Christ. However, we must ensure that our pursuits align with God's will and purpose for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_loyalty.htm">Family and Loyalty</a></b><br>Asahel's actions reflect his loyalty to David, his uncle. This loyalty, while commendable, also reminds us to evaluate our allegiances and ensure they are rooted in righteousness and truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_joab_kill_abner.htm">Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_goliath's_death_accounts.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory in 1 Samuel 17?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_credible_abner_kills_asahel_swiftly.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">Asahel pursued after Abner.</span>--Asahel, the youngest of the three nephews of David, took part in the battle with his elder brothers, and well knowing how completely the cause of Ish-bosheth depended upon Abner, pertinaciously sought him out in the pursuit. His great fleetness enabled him to overtake Abner and, coming behind him, endanger his life. Abner was unwilling to injure him, and only after remonstrating with him, and urging him to seek the spoil of some warrior more nearly his equal (<a href="/context/2_samuel/2-20.htm" title="Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Are you Asahel? And he answered, I am.">2Samuel 2:20-22</a>), did he unwillingly slay him "with the hinder end of his spear." The spears were sharpened at the "hinder end" for the purpose of sticking them into the ground (<a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm" title="So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.">1Samuel 26:7</a>). Abner's reluctance to kill Asahel may have been partly on account of his extreme youth, but was chiefly through dread of the vengeance of Joab (<a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm" title="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?">2Samuel 2:22</a>). "The fifth rib" here, and wherever else it occurs (<a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm" title="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.">2Samuel 3:27</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm" title="And they came thither into the middle of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.">2Samuel 4:6</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm" title="But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.">2Samuel 20:10</a>), should be translated <span class= "ital">abdomen.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Asahel pursued after Abner.</span> This episode is fully narrated, both because of Asahel's rank as David's nephew, and also because of its tragical consequences to Abner himself. Asahel was a son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and, while his own brothers were of little use to him, his nephews, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, were the mainstays of David's throne. As their father's name is never mentioned, but only the mother's, Zeruiah was probably a woman of great ability, and her sons inherited it from her. Possibly she had married beneath her station, or her husband had died early; but certainly her sons, thinking more of her than of their father, had soon thrown in their lot with David her brother (but see note on ver. 32). The youngest of the three, Asahel, was remarkable for his personal accomplishments, and especially for swiftness of foot, for which he was compared to the Zebi, the camp name of Jonathan (<a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">2 Samuel 1:19</a>). It now caused his death. For conscious that Abner was the sole support of Ishbosheth's party, and indignant at his challenge to useless slaughter, he pursued after him, allowing nothing to divert him from his object, and hoping to end the war by slaying the veteran commander. But though he had the fleetness of an Achilles, he had not his robust strength, and Abner, knowing that the combat was unequal, remonstrated with him, and bade him turn aside, and be content with winning the spoils of some meaner warrior. It is evident from this that Abner saw in this defeat in a battle of his own choosing, the certainty of the near downfall of the house of Saul, and, as he would then be in Joab's power, he was unwilling to have a blood feud with a man of such determined character. "How," he asks, "should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?" It would be his duty, as the avenger of blood, to slay me. Apparently, during this conference, he was standing with the butt end of his lance held towards Asahel, to ward off his blows, but, as the spearhead was turned the other way, Asahel forgot that even so it might be used for offence. For it was pointed, that it might be stuck in the ground at night (<a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">1 Samuel 26:7</a>), and possibly shod with iron, though it is more likely that it was only hardened by being thrust into the fire. So when he saw that his words had no avail, and that Asahel was not on his guard, he suddenly struck him with it so violent a blow that it pierced his body right through, and Asahel fell down dead. It is probable, from the merciless force used, that there was a sudden outburst of anger on Abner's part. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and he</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śā·h·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6214.htm">Strong's 6214: </a> </span><span class="str2">Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chased</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·dōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abner,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">turning</span><br /><span class="heb">נָטָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṭāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the right</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיָּמִין֙</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yā·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right hand, side, the south</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or to the left</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׂמֹ֔אול</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śə·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dark, the north, the left hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his pursuit.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 2:19 Asahel pursued after Abner (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:20" /></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>