2 Samuel 2:21

And 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 armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.

2 Samuel 2:21 (KJV)

Context

The book of 2 Samuel records events around King David’s reign in Israel. In this chapter, King Saul has died, and David has been anointed king over the tribe of Judah. However, Abner, Saul’s commander-in-chief, has installed Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, as king over the rest of Israel. This verse takes place during a conflict between the forces loyal to David and those loyal to Ish-bosheth.

Abner was a prominent figure in Saul’s administration, a skilled military commander and a relative of Saul, and now serves Ish-bosheth. Asahel was one of David’s mighty men, the brother of Joab who later becomes David’s commander, and was known for his swiftness and agility in battle.

Meaning

In this verse, Abner encounters Asahel, who is relentlessly pursuing him. Abner offers a warning, advising Asahel to turn either to the right or left and engage in battle with another young man, taking his armour. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, where a soldier might gain spoils from a lesser opponent. Abner’s offer was not a retreat but a redirection, allowing Asahel to save face while avoiding a direct confrontation with a seasoned warrior. However, Asahel refuses and continues to chase Abner.

Asahel’s persistence shows his determination to pursue Abner, signifying his loyalty to David and his commitment to the cause. His unwavering pursuit demonstrates courage and willingness to fight for what he believes in, yet it also foreshadows the tragic outcome of his eagerness. His refusal to heed Abner’s warning shows his impulsive nature; while his bravery is commendable, his impetuousness leads to his own downfall. This teaches the importance of weighing actions carefully and considering the advice of others, particularly when engaged in conflict.

Biblical connections

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 highlights the moral dilemmas that can arise in times of political transition. The narrative is part of the larger conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, illustrating the tragic cost of civil strife.

Application

We can learn from Asahel’s persistence in pursuing what he believed to be right, but we should temper our enthusiasm with wisdom and discernment, being careful not to rush into actions without considering the potential consequences. 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.

Just as Asahel remained loyal to David, we are called to remain faithful to God and His anointed leaders, with loyalty guided by godly principles and discernment, always aligning with what is righteous and pleasing to God. The verse underscores the importance of heeding warnings and the danger of unchecked ambition or vengeance.

Reflection

Consider how often we, like Asahel, press forward without pausing to evaluate the counsel we receive. Abner’s warning was not an enemy’s trick but a merciful offer to avoid bloodshed. In our own lives, wise advice may come from unexpected sources. Learning to pause, reflect, and choose the safer path can spare us from unnecessary harm. Let us ask God for the humility to listen and the wisdom to act rightly.