MPV Commentary

Asahel Slain.

Asahel pursued after Abner, driven by ambition to capture his armor, which was considered the greatest prize of all. He had outrun everyone else and was closing in on Abner's retreating forces. Abner, aware of his own physical strength and unwilling to see bloodshed between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged Asahel to stop pursuing him. However, Asahel refused to listen, and the veteran warrior took advantage of the situation. With a swift back thrust, Abner transfixed Asahel with his lance, causing him to fall and lie dying in his own blood.

Meanwhile, Joab and Abishai continued their pursuit by another route until sunset. When they reached a high ground, they received reinforcements from some Benjamites and rallied their scattered troops. Abner appealed to Joab's better nature, pleading with him to stop the senseless bloodshed, which could lead to even more devastating consequences – a full-blown civil war. Joab rebuked Abner for being the sole cause of the conflict but ultimately felt the weight of Abner's appeal and led his men off the battlefield.

Abner likely feared that when Joab learned about Asahel's fate, he would vow revenge and launch another attack. To avoid this, Abner made a forced march to cross the Jordan River that night. The losses were significant: David's side suffered only nineteen casualties, including Asahel, while Ish-bosheth's party lost three hundred and sixty men. This skirmish was reminiscent of ancient battles, where the pursuit of one warrior by another and their dialogue in flight were characteristic features of warfare.