2 Samuel 2:19

And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

And Asahel {H6214} pursued {H7291} after {H310} Abner {H74}; and in going {H3212} he turned {H5186} not to the right hand {H3225} nor to the left {H8040} from following {H310} Abner {H74}.

'Asah'el chased Avner, going straight for him, veering neither right nor left.

and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.

And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

Commentary

Context

This verse is set during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, immediately following the death of King Saul. A civil war rages between the house of Saul, now led by Saul's son Ish-bosheth and his commander Abner, and the house of David, who has been anointed king in Hebron. The preceding verses describe a brutal encounter at the pool of Gibeon, where 12 men from each side fought to the death, escalating the conflict. Asahel, the brother of Joab (David's formidable general), is renowned for his exceptional speed (2 Samuel 2:18), and he relentlessly pursues Abner, the seasoned military commander of Saul's forces. Abner, a powerful and experienced warrior, is attempting to retreat, but Asahel is determined to claim the glory of defeating him.

Key Themes

  • Relentless Pursuit: Asahel's pursuit of Abner is characterized by an unwavering, almost reckless, single-mindedness. The phrase "turned not to the right hand nor to the left" emphasizes his absolute focus on this one target, disregarding all else.
  • Consequences of Unheeded Warning: While not explicit in this verse, the subsequent verses (e.g., 2 Samuel 2:21) reveal Abner's repeated warnings to Asahel to turn away and pursue someone else. Asahel's refusal to deviate from his path, driven by ambition or pride, ultimately leads to his tragic end.
  • The Personal Cost of Conflict: This verse highlights the personal vendettas and individual tragedies that are woven into the fabric of larger national conflicts, such as the civil war between David and Saul's houses.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "turned not to the right hand nor to the left" (Hebrew: לֹא־נָטָה יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול, lo-natah yamin u-smol) is a common biblical idiom. It signifies unwavering determination, steadfastness, or adherence to a path. While often used positively (e.g., in following God's commandments, as in Deuteronomy 5:32), here it describes Asahel's unyielding focus on his target, despite the clear danger and Abner's warnings. It underscores his single-mindedness, which in this context proves to be fatal.

Practical Application

Asahel's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition or zeal. While determination is often a virtue, this account illustrates that even a commendable trait can lead to destruction if it is not tempered with wisdom, discernment, and a willingness to heed wise counsel. There are times when turning aside from a direct path, even if it seems like a shortcut to glory, is the wiser and more life-preserving choice. This verse reminds us to consider the potential consequences of our pursuits and to listen to warnings, especially when our actions might lead to unnecessary conflict or personal harm. It underscores the importance of humility over pride, particularly in moments of intense competition or zeal.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 4:27 (2 votes)

    Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

  • 2 Kings 22:2 (2 votes)

    And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

  • Joshua 1:7 (2 votes)

    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 [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

  • 2 Samuel 2:21 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 23:6 (2 votes)

    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 [to] the right hand or [to] the left;