2 Samuel 2:18 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the conflict between Abner and Asahel. Asahel was Joab’s brother and David’s cousin, and he was one of the main commanders in David’s army. He was famous for running fast, as light on his feet as a wild deer (2 Samuel 2:18). But his speed helped him in pursuit, not in escape. We may think that, though he was quick, he was not as skilled or experienced a soldier as Abner.

First, we see how reckless Asahel was in trying to capture Abner. He chased after Abner and no one else (2 Samuel 2:19). He was proud of his link to David and Joab, proud of his own speed, and encouraged by his side’s success. So he wanted no lesser prize than Abner himself, either killed or taken prisoner. He thought that would end the war and clear David’s path to the throne. Because of this, he rushed ahead and ignored the chances to seize other enemies on his right and left. His eyes were fixed on Abner alone. The plan was bold, but he was not equal to carrying it out. No one should boast in speed any more than strength, and Asahel failed in a dangerous attempt that was too much for him.

Second, Abner acted generously by warning Asahel about the danger he was bringing on himself. He told him to be satisfied with an easier target (2 Samuel 2:21). In effect, he said, “Take one of the young men, plunder him, and make him your prisoner. Match yourself with someone your own size, but do not try to take on a man much stronger than you.” It is wise in every struggle to compare our strength honestly with our opponent’s strength, and not to favor ourselves in the comparison. Otherwise, we may end up hurting ourselves, as Jesus warned in (Luke 14:31).

Abner also begged Asahel not to force him to kill him in self-defense, something Abner was very unwilling to do but would have had to do rather than be killed by him (2 Samuel 2:22). It seems Abner either cared about Joab or feared him, because he did not want to bring Joab’s anger on himself by killing Asahel. It is a good thing when enemies show this kind of respect to one another. Abner’s concern about how he would face Joab also makes us suspect that he really believed David would one day have the kingdom, as God had chosen, and that by opposing David he was acting against his own conscience.

Third, Asahel’s rashness led to his death. He refused to turn aside, likely thinking Abner was only speaking politely because he was afraid. But when Abner came up to him, he struck him with the back end of his spear and gave him a deadly wound (2 Samuel 2:23). It was a move Asahel did not expect and had not guarded against. Abner may have used that stroke before, and here it proved deadly. Asahel died at once from the wound.

We should notice two things here. First, death often comes to us in ways we least expect. Who would fear the butt end of a spear, or the hand of a fleeing enemy? Yet that was the means of Asahel’s death. Second, we are often betrayed by the very gifts we are proud of. Asahel trusted in his speed, but it did him no good. It helped carry him toward his death instead of away from it. Asahel’s fall also stopped the chase and gave Abner time to gather himself again. Everyone who came to the place stood still, except Joab and Abishai. They were not discouraged by it. Instead, they were stirred up to even greater anger and kept pursuing Abner with more fury (2 Samuel 2:24), until they finally caught up with him about sunset, when the coming night would force them to stop.