“Then 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 armor.’ But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.”
Historical Context:The book of 2 Samuel records the events surrounding King David’s reign in Israel. In this particular chapter, King Saul has died, and David has been anointed as the king over the tribe of Judah. However, Abner, who was Saul’s commander-in-chief, has installed Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, as the king over the rest of Israel. The verse we’re studying takes place during a conflict between the forces loyal to David and those loyal to Ish-bosheth.
Characters:
- Abner:He was a prominent figure in Saul’s administration and now serves Ish-bosheth. Abner is a skilled military commander and a relative of Saul.
- Asahel:He is one of David’s mighty men and the brother of Joab, who later becomes David’s commander. Asahel is known for his swiftness and agility in battle.
- Verse Analysis:In this verse, Abner encounters Asahel, who is relentlessly pursuing him. Abner offers a warning to Asahel, advising him to choose a different target to engage in combat with. He suggests that Asahel should turn either to the right or left and engage in battle with another young man, taking his armor. However, Asahel refuses and continues to chase Abner.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- The Persistence of Asahel:Asahel’s determination to pursue Abner signifies his loyalty to David and his commitment to the cause. His unwavering pursuit demonstrates his courage and willingness to fight for what he believes in. However, it also foreshadows the tragic outcome of his eagerness.
- The Dangers of Impulsive Actions:Asahel’s refusal to heed Abner’s warning shows his impulsive nature. While his bravery is commendable, his impetuousness leads to his own downfall. This teaches us the importance of weighing our actions carefully and considering the advice of others, particularly when engaged in conflict.
- The Complexity of Loyalty:The conflict between David and Ish-bosheth raises questions about loyalty and the choices individuals make. Abner, a loyal servant of Saul, aligns himself with Ish-bosheth, while Asahel, a supporter of David, pursues Abner. This situation highlights the complexities of allegiance and the moral dilemmas that can arise in times of political transition.
Practical Application:
- Persistence in Righteous Pursuits:We can learn from Asahel’s persistence in pursuing what he believed to be right. However, we should temper our enthusiasm with wisdom and discernment, being careful not to rush into actions without considering the potential consequences.
- Seek Counsel and Advice:Asahel’s fate serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of seeking counsel from wise and experienced individuals. It is essential to listen to the advice of others and consider alternative perspectives before making decisions, especially in challenging situations.
- Loyalty to God’s Anointed:Just as Asahel remained loyal to David, we are called to remain faithful to God and His anointed leaders. However, loyalty should be guided by godly principles and discernment, always aligning with what is righteous and pleasing to God.
Remember, when studying a specific verse, it is beneficial to consider the broader context of the passage and the entire biblical narrative to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
