“Asahel”

 Asahel, in Hebrew is עֲשָׂה־אֵ֖ל, it means “God has Made”.

Background

At the end of the contest at the Pool of Gibeon, the contest turned into a full battle. Abner leading Israel and Joab leading David’s servants.

“And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.” (2 Samuel 2:17)

The Chase

Abner is on the run. Hot on his heels is Asahel. Asahel is the nephew of David. “And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.” (2 Samuel 2:18) Asahel is faster than Abner, but Abner was a more experienced warrior.

Asahel was locked on Abner like a heat seeking missile.

“And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.” (2 Samuel 2:19)

Abner sees Asahel following him. Abner knows who he is, but asks him “Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.” (2 Samuel 2:20)

Abner now knows who his pursuer is. Not only is Asahel David’s nephew, he is also Joab’s nephew. Abner does not want to be responsible for Asahel’s injury or death. Abner warns Asahel to attack one of the younger men.

“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)

Although Asahel is fast, he hasn’t thought this chase to its conclusion. Abner once again tells him to stop the chase, but Asahel refuses. Then Abner stops and rams the butt end of his spear through Asahel.

“Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.” (2 Samuel 2:23)

Stay tuned…