TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.
Complete Jewish Bible
Avner looked behind him and asked, "Is that you, 'Asah'el?""Yes, it is," he answered.
Berean Standard Bible
And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.
American Standard Version
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Is it thou, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.
World English Bible Messianic
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is I.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, Yea.
Young's Literal Translation
And Abner looketh behind him, and saith, `Art thou he--Asahel?' and he saith, `I am .'
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 2 verses 18–24
18 ¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.
21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?
23 Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
We have here the contest between Abner and Asahel. Asahel, the brother of Joab and cousin-german to David, was one of the principal commanders of David's forces, and was famous for swiftness in running: he was as light of foot as a wild roe (Sa2 2:18); this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying. Yet, we may suppose, he was not comparable to Abner as a skilful experienced soldier; we must therefore observe,
I. How rash he was in aiming to make Abner his prisoner. He pursued after him, and no other, Sa2 2:19. Proud of his relation to David and Joab, his own swiftness, and the success of his party, no less a trophy of victory would now serve the young warrior than Abner himself, either slain or bound, which he thought would put an end to the war and effectually open David's way to the throne. This made him very eager in the pursuit, and careless of the opportunities he had of seizing others in his way, on his right hand and on his left; his eye was on Abner only. The design was brave, had he been par negotio - equal to its accomplishment: but let not the swift man glory in his swiftness, any more than the strong man in his strength; magnis excidit ausis - he perished in an attempt too vast for him.
II. How generous Abner was in giving him notice of the danger he exposed himself to, and advising him not to meddle to his own hurt, Ch2 25:19. 1. He bade him content himself with a less prey (Sa2 2:21): "Lay hold of one of the young men, plunder him and make him thy prisoner, meddle with thy match, but pretend not to one who is so much superior to thee." It is wisdom in all contests to compare our own strength with that of our adversaries, and to take heed of being partial to ourselves in making the comparison, lest we prove in the issue enemies to ourselves, Luk 14:31. 2. He begged of him not to put him upon the necessity of slaying him in his own defence, which he was very loth to do, but must do rather than be slain by him, Sa2 2:22. Abner, it seems, either loved Joab or feared him; for he was very loth to incur his displeasure, which he would certainly do if he slew Asahel. It is commendable for enemies to be thus respectful one to another. Abner's care how he should lift up his face to Joab gives cause to suspect that he really believed David would have the kingdom at last, according to the divine designation, and then, in opposing him, he acted against his conscience.
III. How fatal Asahel's rashness was to him. He refused to turn aside, thinking that Abner spoke so courteously because he feared him; but what came of it? Abner, as soon as he came up to him, gave him his death's wound with a back stroke (Sa2 2:23): He smote him with the hinder end of his spear, from which he feared no danger. This was a pass which Asahel was not acquainted with, nor had learned to stand upon his guard against; but Abner, perhaps, had formerly used it, and done execution with it; and here it did effectual execution. Asahel died immediately of the wound. See here, 1. How death often comes upon us by ways that we least suspect. Who would fear the hand of a flying enemy or the butt-end of a spear? yet from these Asahel receives his death's wound. 2. How we are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of. Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no kindness, but forwarded his fate, and with it he ran upon his death, instead of running from it. Asahel's fall was not only Abner's security from him, but put a full stop to the conqueror's pursuit and gave Abner time to rally again; for all that came to the place stood still, only Joab and Abishai, instead of being disheartened, were exasperated by it, pursued Abner with so much the more fury (Sa2 2:24), and overtook him at last about sunset, when the approaching night would oblige them to retire.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–24. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:20 captures a critical and deeply personal exchange during the bitter civil war between the house of Saul, led by the seasoned general Abner, and the emerging kingdom of David. In this tense moment of relentless pursuit, Abner directly confronts Asahel, David's swift warrior and Joab's brother, making a final, desperate attempt to avert a tragic kinsman confrontation. The verse powerfully highlights Abner's profound reluctance to engage in a fatal duel and Asahel's unwavering, albeit ultimately self-destructive, determination.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The exchange in 2 Samuel 2:20 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic tension and thematic significance. The primary device is Dialogue, which provides a direct, unmediated insight into the characters' intentions and personalities. Abner's question and Asahel's terse reply create immediate Foreshadowing of Asahel's impending death, as Abner's reluctance and Asahel's obstinacy clearly set the stage for a fatal confrontation just verses later (2 Samuel 2:23). There is also a strong element of Irony: the seasoned warrior, Abner, is actively trying to avoid killing his young, less experienced pursuer, while Asahel's youthful zeal and single-mindedness force Abner's hand. This interaction serves as powerful Characterization, revealing Abner's pragmatic and somewhat humane side (despite his role in the civil war) and Asahel's unwavering, perhaps reckless, determination. The entire scene is imbued with Dramatic Tension, built through the relentless pursuit and culminating in this direct, high-stakes verbal exchange that precedes the tragic climax.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tense exchange in 2 Samuel 2:20 serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of human conflict, particularly when personal ambition or unchecked zeal overrides wisdom and the desire for peace. It illustrates how individual decisions, even those driven by loyalty or courage, can have far-reaching and devastating ripple effects, escalating cycles of violence and revenge within a community or nation. The passage implicitly raises questions about the nature of divine sovereignty amidst human choices, as the civil war unfolds according to God's ultimate plan for David's kingdom, yet through the messy, often tragic, actions of individuals. It underscores the importance of discernment and humility, warning against the dangers of a single-minded pursuit that ignores wise counsel and the potential for greater harm.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic encounter between Abner and Asahel offers a profound cautionary tale for believers today, highlighting the critical importance of tempering zeal with wisdom and discernment. Asahel's unwavering determination, while admirable in its courage and loyalty, became a fatal flaw because it lacked the prudence to heed Abner's clear warnings. In our own lives, whether in personal pursuits, ministry endeavors, or even in defending truth, we must earnestly ask ourselves if our zeal is truly guided by God's wisdom and Spirit, or by our own unchecked ambition, stubbornness, or desire for personal glory. Are we willing to listen to counsel, even from those we perceive as adversaries, if it might avert unnecessary conflict, prevent our own downfall, or lead to a more righteous outcome? This passage challenges us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, especially in moments of conflict or intense pursuit, and to prioritize peace, reconciliation, and the greater good where possible, understanding that our choices can set in motion chains of events that impact not only ourselves but also our communities and future generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Abner so reluctant to kill Asahel?
Answer: Abner's profound reluctance stemmed primarily from two significant factors: the severe cultural implications of a blood feud and his pragmatic understanding of the ongoing civil war. Asahel was the brother of Joab, David's chief commander and a powerful, influential figure. Killing Asahel would inevitably provoke Joab's immediate and fierce vengeance, directly escalating the already bloody conflict between the house of Saul (which Abner represented) and the house of David. Abner, as a seasoned general and astute politician, sought to avoid such a personal and politically damaging vendetta. He had already warned Asahel multiple times to turn aside and pursue someone of lesser stature, even offering him an honorable escape by taking spoils from another soldier, as detailed in 2 Samuel 2:21-22. His final question in 2 Samuel 2:20 was a last-ditch effort to avoid a confrontation that he knew would have dire, long-lasting consequences for the nation.
What does Asahel's "I am" signify in this context?
Answer: Asahel's terse "I am" is a powerful and unyielding declaration of his identity and, more profoundly, his unwavering determination and single-minded focus. It signifies his absolute refusal to be deterred, despite Abner's clear warnings and the implied mortal danger. This brief response conveys a sense of youthful, perhaps reckless, zeal and a tragic lack of strategic wisdom. Asahel was renowned for his extraordinary speed (2 Samuel 2:18), and his relentless pursuit of Abner seemed driven by a desire for personal glory or a decisive blow against the enemy general. His "I am" not only confirms his identity but, more importantly, seals his unwavering commitment to the chase, ultimately leading directly to his demise just moments later in 2 Samuel 2:23.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic confrontation between Abner and Asahel, born of human conflict, unchecked zeal, and the devastating reality of civil war, finds its profound contrast and ultimate resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Unlike Asahel's fatal pursuit, driven by human ambition and leading to death, Christ's pursuit of humanity is one of boundless, self-sacrificial love, aiming for reconciliation and eternal life. Where Abner issued a warning that went unheeded, leading to destruction, Christ, the ultimate "I AM" (John 8:58), offers warnings that lead to salvation for those who listen and obey (Matthew 7:13-14). The civil war in 2 Samuel highlights the devastating consequences of division and personal vendettas, but Jesus came as the true Prince of Peace, who breaks down walls of hostility and reconciles humanity not only to God but also to one another through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). Asahel's zeal, though courageous, was ultimately unwise and self-destructive; Christ's zeal, however, was perfectly aligned with the Father's will, leading Him to the cross not for personal glory but for the redemption of the world (John 4:34). He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, resolving the ultimate conflict between humanity and God, a peace that far transcends any temporary truce in a civil war.