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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 2:20 And Abner glanced back and said, "Is that you, Asahel?" "It is," Asahel replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/2-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/10_2Sa_02_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 2:20 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Abner glanced back and said, Is that you, Asahel? It is, Asahel replied." /><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/2-20.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/2-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/2-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:19">◄</a> 2 Samuel 2:20 <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm" title="2 Samuel 2:21">►</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 />Abner looked behind him and asked, &#8220Is that you, Asahel?&#8221 &#8220It is,&#8221 he answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Abner looked back and saw him coming, he called out, “Is that you, Asahel?” “Yes, it is,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said, <i>Art</i> thou Asahel? And he answered, I <i>am</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, “<i>Are</i> you Asahel?” He answered, “I <i>am.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind himself and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” And he said, “It is I!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, &#8220Is that you, Asahel?&#8221 And he answered, &#8220It is I.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abner turned <i>to look</i> behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is I.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel? ” “Yes it is,” Asahel replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abner glanced back and said, &#8220Is that you, Asahel?"&#8221 Yes it is,&#8221 Asahel replied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it thou, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Abner turned and saw him, he said, "Is that you, Asahel?" Asahel answered, "Yes it is." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it thou, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Abner looked back, he asked, "Are you Asahel?" "Yes," Asahel answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abner looked back and said, "Is that you, Asahel?" "Yes," he answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abner looked behind him, he said, "Is that you, Asahel?" He answered, "I am."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abner glanced back and said, ?Is that you, Asahel?? ?It is,? Asahel replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner turned and asked, "Is that you, Asahel?" He replied, "Yes it is!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said, "Is it you, Asahel?" He answered, "It is I."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is.” <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 Abner looks behind him and says, “Are you he—Asahel?” And he says, “I [am].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abner looketh behind him, and saith, 'Art thou he -- Asahel?' and he saith, 'I am.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abner will look behind him and say, This thou Asahel? And he will say, I.<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 Abner looked behind him, and said: Art thou Asael? And he answered: I am. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, Abner looked behind his back, and he said, “Are you not Asahel?” And he responded, “I am.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abner turned around and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He replied, “Yes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abner looked back and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” He answered, “Yes, it is.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him and said, Is that you, Ashael? And he answered, It is I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abnir turned behind him and said: “You are this Shayel”, and he said: “I am”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Abner looked behind him, and said: 'Is it thou, Asahel?' And he answered: 'It is I.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abenner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asael himself? and he said, I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/2-20.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=449" 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">19</span>and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><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.">And Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: way·yi·p̄en (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">glanced</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">back</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“Is that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ha·’at·tāh (Art:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you,</a> <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.">Asahel?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“It is,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Asahel replied.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.…<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/26-17.htm">1 Samuel 26:17</a></span><br />Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55-58</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-3.htm">1 Samuel 20:3</a></span><br />But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">1 Samuel 24:16</a></span><br />When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-14.htm">1 Samuel 26:14-15</a></span><br />And David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner, “Will you not answer me, Abner?” “Who are you who calls to the king?” Abner replied. / 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_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/2-16.htm">1 Chronicles 2:16</a></span><br />Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.<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/27-24.htm">1 Chronicles 27:24</a></span><br />Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">2 Samuel 19:6</a></span><br />You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you!<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="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a></span><br />Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30</a></span><br />(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-8.htm">2 Samuel 20:8-10</a></span><br />And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. / “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Are you Asahel? And he answered, I am.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-13.htm">Am'</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">As'ahel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-14.htm">Am'</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Asahel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">As'ahel</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 Abner glanced back and said,</b><br>Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a significant military leader in Israel. His glance back indicates a moment of recognition and perhaps hesitation. This scene occurs during a pursuit after the battle at Gibeon, highlighting the tension between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner's role as a seasoned warrior contrasts with the youthful zeal of Asahel, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict. The act of glancing back can symbolize a moment of reflection or realization, often seen in biblical narratives where characters face pivotal decisions.<p><b>“Is that you, Asahel?”</b><br>Asahel was one of the three sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew and a member of David's inner circle. Known for his swiftness, Asahel's pursuit of Abner is both a personal and political act, as he seeks to assert David's claim over Saul's remaining forces. The question posed by Abner suggests familiarity and perhaps a reluctance to engage in combat with someone he knows. This moment underscores the personal nature of the conflict, where familial and tribal loyalties intersect with political ambitions.<p><b>“It is,” Asahel replied.</b><br>Asahel's response is straightforward, indicating his determination and courage. His acknowledgment of identity in the face of danger reflects the biblical theme of standing firm in one's convictions. Asahel's pursuit of Abner, despite the risks, can be seen as a type of Christ's determination to fulfill His mission, undeterred by the challenges ahead. This encounter foreshadows the tragic outcome, as Asahel's persistence leads to his death, illustrating the cost of loyalty and the complexities of leadership and succession in the biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army and a significant military leader in Israel. He is a central figure in the conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/asahel.htm">Asahel</a></b><br>The brother of Joab and a swift runner, known for his speed and determination. He is one of the sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>This event takes place during a battle between the forces of Ish-bosheth, son of Saul, led by Abner, and the forces of David, led by Joab. It is part of the larger conflict over the kingship of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_ambition.htm">The Cost of Ambition</a></b><br>Asahel's pursuit of Abner, despite the risks, highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition. Believers are reminded to weigh their desires against God's will and the potential consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_authority.htm">Recognizing Authority</a></b><br>Abner's position as a leader underlines the importance of respecting authority, even in times of conflict. Christians are called to honor those in leadership while maintaining integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Asahel's encounter with Abner teaches the need for discernment in our pursuits. We must seek God's wisdom to know when to advance and when to retreat.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_loyalty.htm">Family and Loyalty</a></b><br>The familial connections in this account remind us of the complexities of loyalty and the potential for conflict within families. Believers are encouraged to seek peace and unity within their families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence.htm">The Role of Providence</a></b><br>This passage is a reminder of God's sovereignty in the midst of human conflict. Trusting in God's plan, even when circumstances are challenging, is crucial for believers.<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_allow_conflict_in_divinely_led_monarchy.htm">Why would God permit ongoing conflict and bloodshed among His chosen people throughout 2 Samuel 20 if the monarchy was divinely sanctioned?</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_punish_a_child_for_david's_sin.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:7-14, why would a just God inflict punishment on an innocent child for David's sin, seemingly contradicting Ezekiel 18:20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_20,000_deaths_in_2_sam_18_7_realistic.htm">Does the reported death toll of 20,000 men (2 Samuel 18:7) reflect a realistic military outcome for that period, or is it exaggerated?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/2-20.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 Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵר֙</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">glanced</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֤פֶן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·p̄en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">back</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽחֲרָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Is that</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאַתָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Asahel?”</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל</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">“It is,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹֽכִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Asahel replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/2-20.htm">2 Samuel 2:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/2-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 2:20 Then Abner looked behind him and said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 2:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 2:21" /></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>