2 Samuel 2:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abner {H74} said {H559} to him, Turn thee aside {H5186} to thy right hand {H3225} or to thy left {H8040}, and lay thee hold {H270} on one {H259} of the young men {H5288}, and take {H3947} thee his armour {H2488}. But Asahel {H6214} would {H14} not turn aside {H5493} from following {H310} of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avner said to him, "Turn off to your right or your left, catch one of the young men and take his armor." But 'Asah'el wouldn't turn aside and kept following him.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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 armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse from 2 Samuel 2:21 encapsulates a critical juncture in the nascent civil war between the house of Saul, championed by its seasoned general Abner, and the emerging kingdom of David. It vividly portrays Abner's urgent attempt to avert a tragic and politically disastrous confrontation with Asahel, Joab's exceptionally swift brother and one of David's elite warriors, whose relentless and ill-advised pursuit of Abner ultimately precipitates a profound and far-reaching blood feud.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the "deadly game" at the Pool of Gibeon, where twelve men from each side engaged in a fatal contest, escalating into full-scale battle (compare [2 Samuel 2:14-17](/2_samuel/2-14 "2 Samuel 2:14-17 - The Deadly Contest at Gibeon")). Following the rout of Abner's forces, Asahel, renowned for his exceptional speed, described as being "as light of foot as a wild roe" in [2 Samuel 2:18](/2_samuel/2-18 "2 Samuel 2:18 - Asahel's Speed"), fixates on pursuing Abner, the commander of Saul's army. Abner, a veteran warrior, understands the dire implications of killing a prominent figure like Asahel, particularly given his relationship to Joab, David's chief commander. His repeated warnings in [2 Samuel 2:20-21](/2_samuel/2-20 "2 Samuel 2:20-21 - Abner's Warnings to Asahel") underscore his desire to avoid a personal vendetta that would further destabilize the fragile political landscape between the houses of Saul and David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous period in Israelite history, immediately following the death of King Saul and the subsequent anointing of David as king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")). The rest of Israel, however, remained loyal to Saul's house, with Abner installing Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin ([2 Samuel 2:9](/2_samuel/2-9 "2 Samuel 2:9 - Ish-bosheth's Reign")). This division ignited a civil war, characterized by skirmishes and strategic maneuvers. Crucially, the concept of the "blood avenger" (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_) was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite society, as seen in passages like [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Blood Avenger") and [Deuteronomy 19:6](/deuteronomy/19-6 "Deuteronomy 19:6 - Cities of Refuge and the Avenger"). The killing of a close relative, especially a prominent one, would obligate the family to seek vengeance, potentially leading to generations of feuding. Abner's actions are thus informed by a profound awareness of these cultural norms and the severe repercussions of such an act on the already volatile political climate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **The Peril of Reckless Ambition and Impetuosity**. Asahel's single-minded pursuit, despite clear warnings and a viable alternative, demonstrates the destructive nature of unchecked zeal or a desire for personal glory, foreshadowing the tragic consequences detailed in [2 Samuel 2:23](/2_samuel/2-23 "2 Samuel 2:23 - Asahel's Death"). Secondly, it underscores **The Wisdom of De-escalation and Prudence**. Abner's repeated attempts to divert Asahel, even offering him an honorable alternative, reveal a seasoned commander's foresight and a desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and the inevitable blood feud with Joab, which ultimately materializes later in [2 Samuel 3](/2_samuel/3 "2 Samuel 3 - Abner's Death and David's Consolidation of Power"). Finally, the passage illustrates **The Inexorable Consequences of Disobedience and Stubbornness**. Asahel's refusal to heed Abner's counsel directly leads to his demise, setting in motion a chain of events that deeply impacts the relationship between David's and Saul's houses, culminating in Joab's revenge against Abner in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn aside (Hebrew, _sûr_):** This verb signifies to "turn away," "depart," or "remove oneself." Abner's repeated use of this command (also in [2 Samuel 2:20](/2_samuel/2-20 "2 Samuel 2:20 - Abner's Initial Warning")) emphasizes his earnest desire for Asahel to cease his pursuit and avoid a direct confrontation. It conveys a plea for Asahel to exercise discretion and change his course of action.
* **Young men (Hebrew, _na'ar_):** While literally "young man," in military contexts, this term often refers to foot soldiers, squires, or lesser-ranked combatants, distinct from veteran commanders or "mighty men." Abner's offer for Asahel to "lay thee hold on one of the young men" is not an insult but a professional soldier's pragmatic suggestion: gain glory and spoils from an easier, less consequential target, thereby avoiding a direct, high-stakes duel with Abner himself.
* **Armour (Hebrew, _nesheq_):** This term is broader than just defensive armor; it encompasses weapons, military equipment, and spoils of war. Abner's offer was for Asahel to take the _nesheq_ of a lesser opponent, implying a legitimate way to gain honor and material reward without forcing a fatal confrontation with Abner, which would inevitably lead to a blood feud.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abner said to him":** This simple opening highlights the direct, personal nature of Abner's appeal. It's not a general command to his troops, but a specific, urgent warning directed at Asahel, underscoring Abner's awareness of Asahel's identity and the potential repercussions.
* **"Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left":** Abner's plea is an urgent command to deviate from his current, dangerous course. The phrase "right hand or to thy left" emphasizes the absolute necessity of changing direction, indicating that any alternative path is preferable to the one Asahel is stubbornly pursuing. It's an offer of escape from a deadly confrontation.
* **"and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour":** This clause presents a clear, honorable alternative. Abner offers Asahel a chance to achieve glory and spoils (the "armour" or equipment) by engaging a less significant combatant. This reveals Abner's strategic thinking and his attempt to de-escalate the situation by providing Asahel with a face-saving, yet less perilous, objective.
* **"But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him":** The conjunction "But" signals a stark contrast and highlights Asahel's unwavering, almost defiant, refusal. This final clause is the tragic pivot point of the verse, demonstrating Asahel's stubborn determination and sealing his fate, despite Abner's clear and repeated warnings. His refusal sets the stage for the inevitable and devastating consequence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic tension and thematic depth. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Abner's urgent warnings and Asahel's stubborn refusal directly anticipate the tragic outcome described in [2 Samuel 2:23](/2_samuel/2-23 "2 Samuel 2:23 - Asahel's Death") and the subsequent blood feud that defines much of the early narrative of 2 Samuel. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between Abner's seasoned prudence and strategic foresight, and Asahel's youthful impetuosity and unyielding resolve. Abner seeks de-escalation, offering a pragmatic alternative, while Asahel, perhaps driven by a desire for singular glory or a lack of battle experience, rejects all counsel. The **Characterization** of Asahel as swift but ultimately reckless is solidified here, setting him apart from the more calculating figures like Abner and Joab. Furthermore, the scene carries a subtle **Irony**: Abner, the enemy commander, is attempting to save Asahel's life, while Asahel, a "mighty man" of David, is unwittingly rushing towards his own destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple exchange resonates with profound theological and thematic implications. It underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom, discernment, and the dangers of unchecked zeal or pride. Asahel's unyielding pursuit, despite a clear warning from an experienced adversary, serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of stubbornness and the refusal to heed counsel, echoing wisdom literature's warnings about the destructive path of the foolish. Abner's attempt at de-escalation, driven by a recognition of the broader consequences of a blood feud, highlights the value of seeking peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict, a principle often championed in scripture. The tragic outcome of this encounter also speaks to the sovereignty of God, even amidst human folly and conflict, as the unfolding events contribute to the eventual consolidation of David's kingdom, albeit through painful means.
* [Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic confrontation in 2 Samuel 2:21 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own responses to counsel, ambition, and conflict. Asahel's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in allowing personal ambition, pride, or a singular focus to override wisdom and prudence. In our own lives, how often do we, like Asahel, stubbornly pursue a course of action despite clear warnings from those with greater experience or insight, whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk? The verse also compels us to consider the wisdom of de-escalation. Abner, though an adversary, sought to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and the long-term repercussions of a blood feud. This prompts us to reflect on our own willingness to seek peace, to offer alternatives, and to step back from conflicts that may escalate into far greater sorrow, even when we feel justified in pressing forward. Ultimately, this passage calls us to cultivate discernment, humility, and a readiness to change course when confronted with wise counsel, recognizing that true strength often lies in restraint and obedience rather than unyielding will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be stubbornly pursuing a path despite warnings or clear alternatives?**
* **How can you cultivate greater humility and discernment to recognize and heed wise counsel, even from unexpected sources?**
* **When faced with potential conflict, what steps can you take to de-escalate the situation and seek peaceful resolutions, rather than pressing for personal victory?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abner so keen to avoid killing Asahel?**

Answer: Abner understood the severe cultural and political ramifications of killing Asahel. Asahel was not just any soldier; he was the brother of Joab, David's formidable army commander, and a prominent figure among David's "mighty men" ([2 Samuel 2:18](/2_samuel/2-18 "2 Samuel 2:18 - Asahel's Speed")). In ancient Israel, the killing of a close relative obligated the family to seek vengeance through a "blood avenger" (_go'el haddam_), a deeply ingrained cultural practice (e.g., [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Blood Avenger")). Abner, a shrewd military and political strategist, knew that killing Asahel would ignite a personal blood feud with Joab, further exacerbating the already tense civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. He sought to avoid this escalation, which indeed came to pass later when Joab assassinated Abner in revenge for Asahel's death ([2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 2:21 details a tragic human conflict rooted in stubbornness and the pursuit of earthly glory, it subtly points to the profound contrast with the ultimate divine strategy of reconciliation found in Christ. Asahel's refusal to "turn aside" from his self-destructive path highlights humanity's fallen tendency to resist divine wisdom and stubbornly pursue its own will, often leading to death, as seen from the very beginning in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true and greater Abner, did not seek to avoid conflict for His own preservation, but willingly "turned aside" from the glory of heaven to embrace the path of suffering and death for humanity's sake ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the one who offers us a true "turning aside" – a repentance from our self-destructive pursuits to find life in Him ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance and Refreshing")). Unlike Asahel, who refused the offer of a lesser prize and met death, Christ, by His ultimate sacrifice, secured for us the greatest prize – eternal life and reconciliation with God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). His mission was not to avoid a blood feud, but to shed His own blood to end the cosmic feud between God and humanity, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to peace that Asahel tragically rejected.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 14:19

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.