2 Samuel 2:19

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 2:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
2 Samuel 2:19 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Asahel pursued after Abner, etc.] Ambitious of the glory of taking or slaying the general of the army of Israel; trusting to his swiftness, not considering that the race is not always to the swift, and that he had to do with a veteran soldier, and he a raw young man, though valiant: and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left in following Abner; he kept his eye upon him, and pursued him closely, disregarding persons on the right or left he could have made prisoners; but those he neglected, being bent on taking Abner if possible.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“ASAHEL SLAIN. (Sa2 2:19-32) Asahel pursued after Abner--To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetuous young soldier being deaf to the generous remonstrance, the veteran raised the pointed butt of his lance, as the modern Arabs do when pursued, and, with a sudden back thrust, transfixed him on the spot, so that he fell, and lay weltering in his blood. But Joab and Abishai…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“turned: Sa2 2:21; Jos 1:7, Jos 23:6; Kg2 22:2; Pro 4:27 following Abner: Heb. after Abner 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 2:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification