“And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.”
Context:The book of 2 Samuel records the events of King David’s reign over Israel. This particular verse occurs during a time of political transition after the death of Saul, the first king of Israel. David had been anointed as the next king, but Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, was proclaimed king over the northern tribes of Israel. A civil war ensued between David’s forces and those loyal to Ish-bosheth.
Asahel’s Death:Asahel was one of David’s mighty men and the brother of Joab, who served as the commander of David’s army. He was known for his swiftness and agility in battle. In the previous verses, Asahel pursued Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth’s army, during a skirmish. However, Abner warned Asahel to turn back, not wanting to kill him, as he was faster and more agile. But Asahel persisted, and Abner struck him with the blunt end of his spear, resulting in Asahel’s death.
Burial in Bethlehem:After Asahel’s death, his body was taken up and buried in the sepulcher of his father, which was in Bethlehem. This indicates that Asahel was given an honorable burial, likely a customary practice during that time.
Joab and His Men’s Journey:The latter part of the verse mentions Joab, Asahel’s brother, and his men traveling all night. They were likely on their way to Hebron, where David resided. This journey may have been prompted by Asahel’s death and the need to report the events of the battle and seek further guidance from David.
Key Lessons:
- Bravery and Consequences:Asahel’s pursuit of Abner displayed his bravery and loyalty to David, but it ultimately led to his own death. This teaches us the importance of exercising wisdom and discernment in the midst of conflict. It’s crucial to weigh the potential consequences of our actions and seek guidance from God before making impulsive decisions.
- Honor and Respect for the Dead:Asahel was given an honorable burial in his father’s sepulcher. This highlights the cultural value placed on honoring and respecting the dead during biblical times. It reminds us to treat the deceased with dignity and reverence, recognizing the importance of life and the impact individuals make even after they have passed away.
- Seeking Guidance from Leaders:Joab and his men journeyed to Hebron to report to David and seek his guidance. This demonstrates the importance of seeking counsel from godly leaders or mentors in times of difficulty or confusion. It’s essential to approach those with wisdom and experience, who can provide guidance and direction based on God’s principles.
Overall, this verse reminds us to consider the consequences of our actions, honor the deceased, and seek guidance from godly leaders in challenging situations. It encourages us to walk in wisdom, seeking God’s direction in all aspects of our lives.
