2 Samuel 2:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit he refused {H3985} to turn aside {H5493}: wherefore Abner {H74} with the hinder end {H310} of the spear {H2595} smote {H5221} him under {H413} the fifth {H2570} rib, that the spear {H2595} came out {H3318} behind {H310} him; and he fell down {H5307} there, and died {H4191} in the same place {H8478}: and it came to pass, that as many as came {H935} to the place {H4725} where Asahel {H6214} fell down {H5307} and died {H4191} stood still {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he still refused to turn aside; so Avner stabbed him in the groin with the back end of the spear, so that the shaft protruded behind him. He fell down and died on the spot. Everyone who came to the place where 'Asah'el lay dead stopped there.

Berean Standard Bible

But Asahel refused to turn away; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

American Standard Version

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him in the body, so 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:23 records the tragic and pivotal death of Asahel, the swift-footed brother of Joab, at the hand of Abner, commander of Saul's army. This event, occurring during the early stages of the civil war between the house of Saul and the burgeoning kingdom of David, was a desperate act of self-preservation by Abner after Asahel's relentless pursuit. Asahel's demise would profoundly escalate the personal animosity between the two factions, particularly between Joab and Abner, setting the stage for future acts of vengeance and prolonging the conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the civil war that erupted following the death of King Saul and his sons at Gilboa, and David's anointing as king over Judah. The immediate preceding verses detail a tense encounter at the Pool of Gibeon, where a challenge between twelve men from each side escalated into a fierce battle ([2 Samuel 2:12-17](/2-samuel/2-12 "2 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Battle at Gibeon")). Asahel, renowned for his exceptional speed ([2 Samuel 2:18](/2-samuel/2-18 "2 Samuel 2:18 - Asahel's Speed")), fixated on pursuing Abner, the most prominent leader of Saul's house. Abner, recognizing Asahel and understanding the severe implications of killing him (namely, incurring a blood feud with Joab, David's commander and Asahel's brother), repeatedly warned Asahel to turn aside and pursue someone else ([2 Samuel 2:20-22](/2-samuel/2-20 "2 Samuel 2:20-22 - Abner's Warnings to Asahel")). Asahel's refusal to heed these warnings forced Abner into a defensive act that resulted in the fatal blow, a moment that would directly lead to Joab's later assassination of Abner ([2 Samuel 3:27](/2-samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is one of deep political fragmentation and civil strife in ancient Israel, immediately after the unified monarchy under Saul. David had been anointed king in Hebron over Judah, while Saul's son Ish-bosheth was made king over the northern tribes by Abner in Mahanaim ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2-samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Ish-bosheth Becomes King")). This created a volatile atmosphere where loyalty was divided and conflict was inevitable. Crucially, the concept of "blood vengeance" (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_) was a deeply ingrained social and legal custom. If a person was murdered, a designated "avenger of blood," usually a close male relative, was obligated to kill the murderer. Abner's repeated attempts to deter Asahel stemmed from his desire to avoid this blood feud, which would inevitably escalate the conflict beyond a conventional battle. The use of spears was common in ancient warfare, and the description of the blow highlights the brutal realities of close-quarters combat.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of [2 Samuel](/2-samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of David"). First, it underscores the **destructive nature of civil war**, where kinsmen fight against kinsmen, leading to tragic and often avoidable deaths like Asahel's. The conflict is not just political but deeply personal, fueling cycles of vengeance that prolong suffering, as seen in the [long war between the house of Saul and the house of David](/2-samuel/3-1 "2 Samuel 3:1 - The Prolonged War"). Second, Asahel's relentless and perhaps reckless pursuit highlights the **dangers of uncontrolled zeal or ambition**, even in a seemingly righteous cause. His refusal to "turn aside" despite clear warnings sealed his fate, demonstrating a lack of wisdom or discernment. Third, the incident brings to the forefront the **weight of bloodguilt and the cycle of vengeance**, a persistent problem in Israelite society that often undermined peace and justice. Finally, the detail that soldiers "stood still" at the sight of Asahel's death emphasizes the **solemnity and shock of mortality**, particularly when a prominent figure falls, momentarily halting the chaos of battle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hinder end (אחר, _'achar'_):** The Hebrew word _'achar'_ literally means "behind" or "after." In this context, "hinder end of the spear" (אחר החנית, _'achar haḥanit'_) is debated. It could refer to the butt end of the spear, used as a blunt weapon with immense force, or it could mean a backhand thrust with the sharp end, implying a quick, desperate, and perhaps unconventional maneuver. Given the outcome ("the spear came out behind him"), it indicates a powerful, penetrating blow, regardless of the precise part of the spear used.
* **Smote (וַיַּכֵּהוּ, _vayyakkehu'_):** This verb signifies a forceful, decisive strike. It conveys the immediacy and finality of Abner's action, emphasizing that the blow was not a glancing hit but a direct, impactful thrust designed to stop Asahel.
* **Stood still (וַיַּעֲמֹד, _vayya'amod'_):** The verb _'amad'_ means "to stand" or "to stop." The phrase "stood still" powerfully conveys the collective shock and awe that gripped the soldiers who witnessed Asahel's death. It implies a momentary cessation of the battle's chaos, a pause to acknowledge the gravity of the fallen warrior and the profound impact of his demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit he refused to turn aside":** This clause underscores Asahel's unwavering determination, or perhaps his stubbornness and lack of discernment. Despite Abner's repeated warnings and attempts to avoid conflict, Asahel remained fixed on his target, sealing his own fate through his unyielding pursuit.
* **"wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib]":** This describes Abner's fatal action. The phrase "under the fifth [rib]" (Hebrew: חֹמֶשׁ, _chomesh_, meaning "abdomen" or "belly") indicates a precise, vital blow to the lower torso or abdomen, a common target for a lethal strike. It highlights Abner's skill and the desperate necessity of his act of self-defense.
* **"that the spear came out behind him":** This graphic detail emphasizes the immense force and penetrative power of Abner's thrust. It leaves no doubt about the lethality of the wound, indicating a complete perforation of Asahel's body.
* **"and he fell down there, and died in the same place":** This confirms the immediate and undeniable consequence of the blow. Asahel's death was instantaneous and occurred precisely where he fell, a stark and unceremonious end to a swift and promising warrior.
* **"and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still":** This final clause captures the profound impact of Asahel's death on the battlefield. It signifies a moment of collective shock, perhaps even reverence or fear, as the fighting men paused in the face of such a prominent and sudden casualty. It highlights the solemnity of death and its power to momentarily halt even the most intense conflict.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Asahel's death employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. There is a tragic **Irony** in Asahel's exceptional speed, which was his greatest asset, ultimately leading him directly into the path of his death. His swiftness, rather than enabling escape or victory, propelled him towards his demise. The entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Asahel's death at Abner's hand directly precipitates Joab's later act of vengeance against Abner, thus escalating the cycle of violence. The vivid, almost clinical description of the fatal blow ("smote him under the fifth [rib]... that the spear came out behind him") employs **Pathos**, evoking a sense of pity and sorrow for the young warrior's unnecessary end and the grim realities of civil war. The detail that the soldiers "stood still" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only the immediate shock and awe but also the profound, unsettling impact that death, particularly a sudden and significant one, has on the living, momentarily freezing the chaos of battle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Asahel stands as a stark biblical testament to the devastating consequences of human sin, particularly as it manifests in civil strife, personal ambition, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance. It illustrates how unbridled zeal, when untempered by wisdom or a willingness to yield, can lead to tragic ends, even when the initial cause might seem righteous. The narrative also highlights the pervasive nature of bloodguilt in ancient society and the destructive cycle of retribution that it often perpetuated. The solemn pause of the soldiers at Asahel's death site underscores the sanctity of human life and the profound, universal human response to mortality, even in the brutal context of war. Theologically, it reminds us that while God's sovereign plan unfolds, human choices, particularly those driven by pride, anger, or vengeance, carry real and often devastating consequences.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life and Bloodguilt")
* [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Those Who Live by the Sword Will Die by the Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Asahel's tragic end serves as a profound cautionary tale for all believers. His relentless pursuit, admirable in its zeal but fatal in its execution, challenges us to consider the nature of our own ambitions and pursuits. Are we willing to "turn aside" when wisdom, peace, or the well-being of others demands it? Do we recognize when our zeal, however well-intentioned, might be leading us down a path of destruction or perpetuating cycles of conflict? This narrative compels us to reflect on the immense cost of unresolved conflict and the seductive nature of vengeance, which, as seen in Joab's subsequent actions, only deepens wounds and prolongs suffering. It calls us to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace, rather than allowing personal grievances to escalate into destructive feuds. Furthermore, the scene of soldiers "standing still" at the sight of death invites us to pause in our own lives, to acknowledge the fragility of life, the solemnity of mortality, and the profound impact that loss has on us and those around us, fostering a deeper appreciation for life and a greater urgency for peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be pursuing a goal with such relentless zeal that I am unwilling to "turn aside" from potential harm or conflict?**
* **How does Asahel's death, and the subsequent cycle of vengeance, challenge my own tendencies towards unforgiveness or retribution?**
* **What does the "standing still" of the soldiers at Asahel's death reveal about the universal human response to tragedy and mortality, and how can I apply this solemnity to my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abner kill Asahel if he didn't want to?**
Answer: Abner killed Asahel out of desperate self-defense. The narrative clearly states that Abner repeatedly warned Asahel to stop pursuing him, even offering him the chance to fight a lesser opponent and take his armor ([2 Samuel 2:20-22](/2-samuel/2-20 "2 Samuel 2:20-22 - Abner's Warnings")). Abner knew that killing Asahel, Joab's brother, would inevitably lead to a blood feud and escalate the civil war. However, Asahel's relentless and unyielding pursuit left Abner with no choice but to defend himself, as his own life was in immediate danger.

**What is the significance of "hinder end of the spear" and "fifth rib"?**
Answer: The King James Version's "hinder end of the spear" (Hebrew: _'achar haḥanit'_) likely refers to the butt end of the spear, used as a blunt but incredibly forceful weapon, or possibly a backhand thrust with the sharp end, indicating a swift and unexpected maneuver. Given the outcome, it signifies a powerful and lethal blow. The phrase "under the fifth [rib]" is a KJV interpretation of the Hebrew word _chomesh_, which more generally refers to the abdomen or lower chest area, a vital region. It emphasizes that the blow was precise and fatal, ensuring the spear passed through Asahel's body.

**How did Asahel's death impact the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David?**
Answer: Asahel's death had a profoundly negative impact, escalating the conflict from a general civil war into a deeply personal blood feud between the two leading commanders: Abner and Joab. Abner's killing of Asahel, though in self-defense, made him the target of Joab's blood vengeance. This personal vendetta ultimately led to Joab's treacherous assassination of Abner later on ([2 Samuel 3:27](/2-samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner")), which, while removing a strong leader from Saul's side, also complicated David's efforts to unify Israel and demonstrated the destructive cycle of violence that plagued the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic death of Asahel, a consequence of human stubbornness, the brutal realities of war, and the pervasive cycle of vengeance, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Asahel's demise highlights the futility and destructive power of human conflict and the endless cycle of retribution that often follows. In stark contrast, Christ's death was not a result of human folly or self-defense in a civil war, but a deliberate, substitutionary sacrifice to break the power of sin and reconcile humanity to God. Where Asahel's blood led to further bloodshed and vengeance, the [blood of Christ](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - The Necessity of Blood for Atonement") cleanses from all sin and establishes a new covenant of peace. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, who, unlike Asahel's relentless pursuit leading to death, pursued us in love, laying down His life so that we might have life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Life Abundantly")). His teaching to [turn the other cheek](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek") and [love one's enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") directly confronts the spirit of vengeance seen in this narrative. The "standing still" of the soldiers at Asahel's death, a moment of shock, foreshadows the profound awe and repentance that should grip humanity when confronted with the reality of Christ's cross, where the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") willingly offered Himself, bringing an end to the need for blood vengeance and ushering in an era of grace and reconciliation ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-10 - God's Love and Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

2 Samuel 3:27

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.

2 Samuel 4:6

And they came thither into the midst 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.

2 Samuel 20:10

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.

2 Samuel 5:6

¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

2 Samuel 20:12

And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.

2 Samuel 20:13

When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.